A powerful earthquake struck Myanmar on March 28, 2025, triggering widespread panic and evacuation in Bangkok, where tremors were felt strongly. According to the Associated Press, the earthquake registered a magnitude of 7.4, while the Chinese Seismological Administration reported it at 7.9, and the European-Mediterranean Seismological Center assessed it at 7.7. The quake's epicenter was located near Ratchaburi province, not far from the Thai capital.
Reports indicate that the earthquake began around 13:30 local time (approximately 9:30 Moscow time), prompting alarms to sound in high-rise buildings throughout Bangkok. Residents of the city, which is home to over 17 million people, were evacuated from their apartments and hotels via stairwells as they fled the shaking structures. Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of chaos, with people rushing to the streets in fear.
In addition to the evacuation, alarming reports emerged of a nearly completed skyscraper collapsing in Bangkok during the quake. Local media, including Khaosod, noted that 50 construction workers managed to escape the building, while 43 others were reported trapped under the rubble. The situation remains dire, as rescue efforts are underway to locate those still missing.
As the tremors continued for about 10 minutes, many residents reported that the shaking was so severe that water splashed out of rooftop pools. The tremors were felt not only in Bangkok but also in neighboring countries, including Bangladesh, India, Laos, and China, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
In the aftermath of the earthquake, Prime Minister Pkhetkhongthann Chinnawat declared a state of emergency in Bangkok. All airports in Thailand were temporarily closed, and the city’s metro system was shut down, along with electric train services, to ensure public safety.
Footage circulating on social media depicted the chaos during the earthquake, with many capturing the moment when the high-rise building swayed precariously. Reports from the Telegram channel Shot confirmed that Russian tourists in Bangkok were being urgently evacuated from their hotels, although travel agencies and the Russian Consulate in Phuket stated that no injuries were reported among Russian nationals.
Local media also reported significant damage in Myanmar, where a bridge across the Irrawaddy River collapsed, and the historic Mandalay Palace sustained partial damage. Hospitals in the region began to fill with numerous injured individuals, as local authorities grappled with the aftermath of the disaster. Just 12 minutes after the initial quake, a second tremor measuring 6.4 struck Myanmar, compounding the region's challenges.
As the situation continues to develop, officials are urging residents to remain cautious and stay informed about aftershocks and safety protocols. The earthquake has not only raised concerns about structural integrity in Bangkok but has also highlighted the region's vulnerability to seismic activity.
With the rapid response from emergency services and the government, the hope remains that the situation can be stabilized quickly, and that those trapped can be rescued promptly. As reports come in from various sources, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of all residents and minimizing further risks in the affected areas.
In summary, the earthquake has left a significant mark on both Myanmar and Thailand, with ongoing efforts to assess damage and provide aid to those affected. As the region copes with the aftermath, the resilience of the communities will be tested in the days ahead.
