Hundreds Feared Dead has 7.7 Magnitude Earthquake hits Central Myanmar; Bangkok Grapples with the Aftermath

On March 28, 2025, a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar, with tremors reverberating as far as Bangkok, Thailand. The seismic event caused significant damage across the region, leading to casualties and widespread panic.

Impact in Bangkok

In Bangkok, the earthquake’s tremors caused buildings to sway, prompting mass evacuations and fear among residents. One of the most severe incidents involved the collapse of a high-rise building under construction in the Chatuchak district, resulting in at least three confirmed deaths and approximately 90 individuals reported missing. Emergency services are actively engaged in rescue operations to locate and assist those trapped beneath the rubble.

The quake also led to the suspension of all rapid transit lines in the city and a temporary halt in trading on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. In the Bang Pho area, a construction crane collapsed, causing the death of a worker. Additionally, a skybridge linking two luxury condominium towers gave way, further highlighting the extent of the structural damage.

Regional Effects

Beyond Bangkok, the earthquake’s impact was felt across Thailand. In Chiang Mai, several condominium buildings and the Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital sustained structural cracks, leading to concerns about the safety of these structures. The northern provinces, including Lampang, reported damages to hospitals and other infrastructure, emphasizing the widespread nature of the disaster.

In neighboring Myanmar, the earthquake caused extensive devastation, particularly in the city of Mandalay, where historic sites such as the Mandalay National Museum and Buddhist temples in Bagan suffered significant damage. The Myanmar government has declared a state of emergency in six regions and has appealed for international aid to manage the crisis.

Personal Accounts

Individuals who experienced the earthquake have shared harrowing accounts of the event. David Aparicio, a chef residing in Bangkok, described the unsettling sensation as everything around him moved, leading to mass evacuations and a pervasive sense of fear. Similarly, Scottish tourist Alex MacGregor recounted observing unusual movements in a swimming pool before the violent shaking began, highlighting the suddenness and intensity of the quake.

Government Response and International Aid

In response to the disaster, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has declared a state of emergency in Bangkok and assured the public that all necessary assistance will be provided. The international community, including the European Union, India, and France, has expressed readiness to assist in the humanitarian response, underscoring the global solidarity in times of crisis.

The March 28 earthquake has left an indelible mark on Bangkok and the broader Southeast Asian region. As rescue operations continue and the full extent of the damage is assessed, the resilience and unity of the affected communities remain paramount. The coming days will be critical in providing relief to those impacted and in initiating the rebuilding process.