On March 28, 2025, a powerful earthquake measuring 8.2 on the Richter scale struck Myanmar, sending tremors felt across several regions in Thailand, including Bangkok, Phetchaburi, and Chiang Mai. The earthquake, which occurred at approximately 1:20 PM local time, had its epicenter located 10 kilometers from the Pang Mapha district in Mae Hong Son province, about 326 kilometers from Thailand's border.
The tremors were significant enough to cause panic among residents in various provinces, leading to an immediate evacuation of buildings. In Phetchaburi, a meeting at the provincial hall was abruptly interrupted as officials, including the deputy governor, and attendees fled the premises in fear. The earthquake was felt across many areas, prompting authorities to issue warnings to the public, particularly those in high-rise buildings.
According to the Meteorological Department, the earthquake's epicenter was pinpointed at latitude 21.682 degrees north and longitude 96.121 degrees east, with a depth of 10 kilometers. The quake's effects were felt not only in Phetchaburi but also in other provinces like Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Sawan, and even as far as Phuket. Reports indicated that this was the first time many residents in these areas experienced such intense shaking.
As a precautionary measure, the Phetchaburi provincial authorities instructed local agencies to conduct thorough inspections of buildings and infrastructure for safety. Residents were advised to remain vigilant and monitor the situation closely, especially those living in tall structures or buildings that might be vulnerable to aftershocks.
In the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, hospitals in Phetchaburi, such as the King Mongkut Hospital, saw a rush of patients and staff evacuating from upper floors as a safety measure. Many hospital staff members were seen escorting patients down from the ninth floor of the hospital building, as elevators were temporarily disabled due to safety concerns. Additionally, the hospital prepared emergency areas near the swimming pool to accommodate patients in case of further seismic activity.
As the day progressed, reports of additional aftershocks began to surface. At around 1:56 PM, another quake was reported near Thung Kamphaeng Phet 2, where a construction site collapsed, trapping several individuals. Emergency services were deployed to the site to aid in rescue operations.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who was attending a tourism policy meeting in Phuket, was notified of the earthquake and subsequently canceled the session to address the situation. He convened an emergency meeting with relevant officials, including the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Anutin Charnvirakul, to coordinate the response efforts and assess the damage.
By 3:30 PM, the Meteorological Department confirmed the earthquake's magnitude had been updated to 8.2, with officials continuing to monitor the situation closely. Reports indicated that 397 workers were present at the construction site during the quake, with 81 individuals unaccounted for, raising concerns about potential casualties.
The Sagaing Fault, the source of the earthquake, is a major geological fault line that runs through Myanmar, known for its historical seismic activity. It is classified as a right-lateral strike-slip fault, with a length of approximately 1,200 kilometers and an average displacement rate of 2 centimeters per year. The fault has previously caused significant earthquakes, including a 7.3 magnitude quake in 1930 that resulted in over 500 deaths.
Following the earthquake, various areas in Thailand reported structural damage to buildings, prompting the Bangkok governor to order inspections of high-rise structures across the city. Officials from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation were tasked with assessing the level of damage and ensuring the safety of residents.
Residents expressed their fears and concerns, with many recounting the chaos during the tremors. "The shaking was intense; I had never felt anything like it before," said a resident from Phetchaburi. Another individual noted, "The evacuation process was chaotic, with people rushing down the stairs in panic. It was frightening to think about what could happen next."
Authorities have urged the public to remain cautious and prepared for potential aftershocks. They have emphasized the importance of being aware of emergency procedures and having plans in place in case of future seismic events.
As the situation continues to unfold, officials are working diligently to provide assistance and ensure the safety of all residents affected by the earthquake. The government has pledged to keep the public informed as new information becomes available.
This earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the geological risks faced by regions near fault lines, and the importance of preparedness in mitigating the impact of such natural disasters.
