A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on March 28, 2025, sending tremors that were felt across Southeast Asia, including in Thailand and Vietnam. The earthquake's epicenter was located about 17 kilometers from Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city, at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The quake triggered panic among residents in multiple cities, particularly in Bangkok, where a high-rise building under construction collapsed. Thai authorities reported that at least 43 workers were trapped under the debris, and one person was confirmed dead with 50 others injured as a result of the building's collapse. Witnesses described chaotic scenes as people rushed out of their homes and offices in fear, with reports of water splashing out of swimming pools and alarms sounding in buildings across the city.
In the immediate aftermath of the quake, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra declared a state of emergency in Bangkok, advising residents to evacuate tall buildings due to the risk of aftershocks. The tremors were so strong that they were felt in nearly all regions of Thailand, prompting the prime minister to call an emergency meeting to assess the situation.
Just 12 minutes after the initial quake, a significant aftershock measuring 6.4 magnitude struck near Mandalay, further complicating rescue efforts. Early reports indicated extensive damage in Myanmar, particularly in Mandalay, where parts of the historic royal palace and several mosques were damaged. Local media reported at least ten fatalities at the Shwe Phone Shein Mosque in Mandalay, where worshippers were inside when the earthquake hit.
Residents in Yangon, Myanmar's largest city, also felt the tremors, with many rushing out of their homes. The earthquake caused significant structural damage, including the collapse of the Ava Bridge, a 90-year-old suspension bridge, and damage to roads leading to major hospitals, which were overwhelmed with casualties.
In Bangkok, the scene was one of panic and confusion. Fraser Morton, a Scottish tourist who was shopping in a mall during the quake, described the moment the building began to shake. "All of a sudden the whole building began to move, immediately there was screaming and a lot of panic," he recounted. "I just started walking calmly at first, but then the building really started moving. People were running the wrong way down escalators, lots of banging and crashing inside the mall." Morton sought refuge in Benjasiri Park, away from the high-rise buildings.
The USGS noted that buildings in both Myanmar and Thailand are particularly vulnerable to seismic activity, citing that many structures are informal and unreinforced. This lack of earthquake-resistant architecture has contributed to the severity of damage caused by the quake.
As rescue operations continue, the Thai government is mobilizing resources to assist those affected by the disaster. Medical teams have been deployed to treat the injured, and emergency services are working tirelessly to locate and rescue trapped individuals in the collapsed skyscraper.
The earthquake's impact has raised concerns about the preparedness of both countries to handle such disasters, especially in Myanmar, which is currently embroiled in a civil conflict that has hampered its ability to respond effectively. The ongoing violence and instability in Myanmar complicate relief efforts, as the government has not yet released comprehensive data on casualties or damage.
Videos and images shared on social media show the extent of the destruction, with collapsed buildings and debris scattered across streets in Mandalay. The tremors caused significant disruptions at Mandalay International Airport, which was temporarily closed due to safety concerns.
In the wake of the disaster, regional cooperation and aid may be crucial for recovery efforts. Thailand, with its more robust infrastructure and emergency response capabilities, may play a significant role in assisting its neighbor as both countries grapple with the aftermath of this devastating earthquake.
The situation remains fluid, with updates expected as rescue operations continue and assessments of damage are made. Authorities urge residents to remain vigilant and prepared for potential aftershocks in the coming days.
