A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake rocked Southeast Asia on March 28, 2025, causing significant destruction in Myanmar and neighboring Thailand. The quake struck at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, with its epicenter near the city of Sagaing, close to Mandalay, Myanmar's cultural capital. This tremor was followed by a 6.4-magnitude aftershock just 12 minutes later, further rattling the region.
In Thailand's capital, Bangkok, the earthquake led to the collapse of a 30-story building under construction, trapping dozens of workers inside. According to police and medics, at least 43 workers were reported trapped as the structure crumbled into a heap of rubble and twisted metal. Eyewitnesses described the chaotic scene as a cloud of dust enveloped the area, and people screamed and fled from the site. "When I arrived to inspect the site, I heard people calling for help, saying help me,” said Worapat Sukthai, deputy police chief of Bang Sue district.
As the tremors shook Bangkok, alarms blared across the city, prompting thousands to evacuate high-rise apartments and hotels. Many residents poured into the streets, seeking refuge from the shaking buildings. The greater Bangkok area, home to over 17 million people, felt the impact of the quake, which caused water to slosh out of rooftop pools and debris to fall from structures.
In Myanmar, the earthquake caused significant damage, especially in Mandalay, where buildings were reported to have collapsed. The National Museum in Naypyidaw experienced falling debris as staff and visitors rushed outside in panic. Roads were buckled, and traffic swelled around hospitals, which became overwhelmed with injured individuals. Reports indicated that hundreds of people were estimated to be injured, although no immediate fatalities were confirmed.
The tremors were felt far beyond the epicenter, with reports indicating that they reached as far as China's southwestern Yunnan province, where the quake measured 7.9 in magnitude according to Beijing's quake agency. In addition, the quake was strong enough to be felt in various parts of Thailand, where the Department of Disaster Prevention stated that the earthquake impacted nearly every region of the country.
This earthquake is a stark reminder of the geological volatility in the region. Myanmar has a history of seismic activity, particularly around the Sagaing Fault, which has seen several significant earthquakes in the past. Between 1930 and 1956, six quakes of 7.0 magnitude or greater struck this fault line. In 2016, a 6.8-magnitude earthquake in the ancient capital of Bagan resulted in three fatalities and extensive damage to historic structures.
The current situation in Myanmar is compounded by the ongoing civil unrest and conflict following the 2021 military coup, which has left the country in a state of turmoil. The military junta's control has faced fierce resistance from pro-democracy groups and ethnic rebels, leading to a complex humanitarian crisis. The road infrastructure, crucial for logistics and trade, has been severely impacted by the fighting, further complicating disaster response efforts.
As the region begins to assess the damage, the Thai Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, declared a state of emergency in Bangkok, underscoring the gravity of the situation. She interrupted an official visit to Phuket to convene an urgent meeting regarding the earthquake's aftermath. Meanwhile, emergency services in both countries are mobilizing to assist those affected.
Social media has been flooded with images and videos of the aftermath, showing the devastation in both Myanmar and Thailand. In Bangkok, dramatic footage captured the moment the high-rise building collapsed, while in Mandalay, residents shared images of fallen structures and debris-strewn streets.
As rescue operations continue, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of those trapped and injured. Local authorities are working tirelessly to clear debris and provide medical assistance to the wounded. The situation remains fluid, with updates expected as more information becomes available.
This earthquake serves as a critical reminder of the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of natural disasters. As communities in Myanmar and Thailand rally together to support one another, the international community watches closely, ready to offer assistance as needed.
In the wake of the disaster, travel advisories have been issued, with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advising against all but essential travel to southern Thailand, particularly in areas near the Thailand-Malaysia border, due to ongoing security concerns in the region.
As the day progresses, both nations are grappling with the immediate impacts of the earthquake while also reflecting on the broader implications of natural disasters in a region already facing significant challenges.
