On March 28, 2025, a devastating earthquake measuring 8.2 on the Richter scale struck near Mandalay, Myanmar, sending shockwaves across Thailand and causing significant damage, particularly in Bangkok. The disaster has claimed the lives of at least seven individuals, with 85 others reported missing after the collapse of a construction site for the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) in Bangkok.
According to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, as of early morning on March 29, seven fatalities have been confirmed, and nine people have been hospitalized due to injuries sustained during the earthquake. The search and rescue operations continue, with authorities reporting that 15 individuals were detected alive under the rubble using life detection scanners. The ongoing rescue efforts involve heavy machinery and Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams to locate any remaining survivors.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt visited the site early on March 29 to assess the damage and coordinate rescue operations. He expressed his condolences to the families affected and emphasized the need for thorough investigations into the collapse. The OAG building was a 30-story structure that was still under construction when it fell.
The earthquake's impact was felt across 57 provinces in Thailand, with reports of damage in 13 provinces, including the capital. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has declared emergency disaster zones in two provinces, Pathum Thani and Phrae, as well as in Bangkok.
In the aftermath of the earthquake, aftershocks have continued to rattle the region, with the Meteorological Department reporting 77 aftershocks by 6:00 AM on March 29. While many of these tremors were mild and went unnoticed, one significant aftershock occurred at 11:21 PM on March 28, registering a magnitude of 4.1 in Pai, Mae Hong Son province.
In response to the earthquake, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has initiated inspections of buildings across the city to ensure structural safety. The inspections are categorized into three groups: government buildings, public structures, and private residences. The BMA has reported that engineers are currently assessing hospitals, including Ratchavithi Hospital, Phramongkutklao Hospital, and Lerdsin Hospital, to ensure their safety.
Deputy Governor Visanu Supsompol stated, "We are taking this situation very seriously. We are conducting inspections of all high-rise buildings to ensure they meet safety standards. We have already inspected over 20 projects and will continue until every building is checked." The BMA has also encouraged residents to report any structural damage through the Traffy Fondue system, which has received over 2,000 reports of damage since the earthquake.
In light of the disaster, Supalai Public Company Limited has announced proactive measures to inspect all its high-rise projects. The company has mobilized its engineering team to assess the structural integrity of 80 projects, both completed and under construction. They aim to complete these inspections by the end of the day, ensuring that all buildings meet strict engineering standards.
"Safety is our top priority," said a spokesperson for Supalai. "We are committed to transparency and will communicate the results of our inspections to residents to alleviate any concerns they may have regarding their safety."
As the city grapples with the aftermath of the earthquake, transportation in Bangkok has been severely affected. The BTS Skytrain and MRT services were temporarily suspended for safety inspections but resumed normal operations by the morning of March 29. Traffic congestion has been reported across the city as residents attempt to return home.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Phaethongthan Shinawatra held a meeting with disaster response officials to discuss the emergency SMS alerts that were criticized for being delayed. During the meeting, she questioned the effectiveness of the communication systems in place and emphasized the need for improvements to ensure timely alerts during emergencies.
Prime Minister Shinawatra stated, "It is crucial that our communication systems are effective during disasters. We need to ensure that the public receives timely warnings to protect their safety." She has instructed relevant agencies to address the issues surrounding the SMS alerts and improve future communication protocols.
As the situation continues to develop, the government is focused on providing support to those affected by the earthquake and ensuring the safety of all structures in the region. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation is working closely with local authorities to coordinate relief efforts and assess the extent of the damage.
The ongoing recovery efforts highlight the importance of disaster preparedness and the need for stringent safety measures in construction practices. As Thailand moves forward from this tragic event, both officials and citizens are reminded of the critical need for vigilance and resilience in the face of natural disasters.
