BANGKOK — A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Thailand and neighboring Myanmar on Friday, March 28, 2025, killing at least 25 people in Myanmar and one in Thailand, while leaving 43 others missing after a high-rise building under construction collapsed in Bangkok. The quake, which originated near Mandalay, Myanmar's second largest city, was followed by a strong 6.4 magnitude aftershock just 12 minutes later, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
The tremors were felt across a wide swath of Southeast Asia, prompting Myanmar's military government to declare a state of emergency in multiple regions, including the Sagaing Region and Mandalay Region. Initial reports indicated significant damage, with buildings and bridges collapsing, including the historic Ava Bridge in Mandalay and several mosques during Friday prayers.
In Bangkok, chaos ensued as the midday earthquake caused a 30-story skyscraper to topple, burying workers beneath the debris. Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed that three people died at the construction site, with 90 still unaccounted for. Rescue efforts have been hampered by unstable rubble, making it difficult for teams to reach those trapped.
The Red Cross reported that downed power lines were complicating rescue operations in the affected areas of Myanmar, where humanitarian needs are still being assessed. “Initial reports from the ground suggest the earthquake has caused significant damage,” the organization stated.
Witnesses in Bangkok described the harrowing moments during the quake. April Kanichawanakul, who was in an office building, initially thought she was dizzy until she felt the building sway. Fraser Morton, a tourist from Scotland, recounted the panic that erupted in a nearby mall as people scrambled for safety. “There was a lot of screaming, a lot of panic,” he said.
As people evacuated buildings throughout Bangkok, the city hall declared the area a disaster zone to facilitate interagency aid. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra convened an emergency meeting to assess the impact of the quake, which struck at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles).
In Myanmar, the situation was dire as reports emerged of the Shwe Pho Shing Mosque collapsing during prayers, leading to at least 20 fatalities. Eyewitness accounts indicated that three mosques in the Mandalay Region suffered structural failures, trapping worshippers inside. “The death toll could be higher,” a rescue worker warned.
The earthquake's impact extended beyond Myanmar's borders, with tremors felt in southern China and Vietnam. In Ruili, a city on the border with Myanmar, residents reported injuries and damage to buildings. A resident of Kunming described the chaos as furniture shook violently and the shaking lasted for over 10 seconds.
As rescue operations continue, concerns over aftershocks loom large. In Bangkok, authorities urged residents to stay clear of buildings due to the risk of further collapses. The Stock Exchange of Thailand suspended trading in response to the disaster, highlighting the quake's economic ramifications.
While the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, the scenes of destruction in both countries paint a grim picture. Videos shared on social media captured the moment the skyscraper collapsed in Bangkok, sending a cloud of dust into the air as onlookers screamed in horror.
In Mandalay, images showed collapsed buildings and debris strewn across streets, while the National Disaster Management Committee in Myanmar announced plans for immediate rescue operations and humanitarian aid. The junta, which has been isolated internationally due to a civil war following a 2021 coup, faces significant challenges in delivering aid to affected areas.
As the region grapples with the aftermath of this devastating earthquake, the focus now shifts to recovery and rebuilding efforts amidst ongoing fears of aftershocks and further structural failures. The human cost of this natural disaster continues to rise, and communities across Southeast Asia are left to cope with the immediate and long-term consequences of this tragedy.
