Myanmar’s worst earthquake in years: What happens next?

A massive 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on March 28, 2025, sending shockwaves across Southeast Asia and causing widespread destruction. The tremors, followed by a powerful 6.4-magnitude aftershock, devastated multiple regions in Myanmar, toppling buildings, bridges, and roads.

The earthquake’s impact was not confined to Myanmar alone. Bangkok, Thailand’s capital—over 1,000 kilometers away—felt significant tremors, leading to the collapse of a 30-story high-rise under construction. The Thai government swiftly declared a state of emergency, shutting down metro and rail services, suspending trading on the Thailand Stock Exchange, and urging citizens to remain vigilant.

The tremors extended even further, affecting parts of India, Bangladesh, and China’s Yunnan province, underscoring the vast reach of this seismic event.

Why is Myanmar particularly vulnerable to earthquakes?

Myanmar sits on the Sagaing Fault, one of the most active tectonic boundaries in Southeast Asia. This fault line, which runs north to south through the country, has been responsible for several catastrophic earthquakes in history.

One of the most devastating occurred in 2016, when a 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar, damaging more than 190 ancient temples in Bagan, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Similarly, in 2012, a 6.8-magnitude quake near Mandalay killed at least 26 people, collapsing bridges and triggering landslides.

Despite Myanmar’s frequent seismic activity, building standards remain lax, especially in rural areas and urban centers controlled by the military junta. Many structures, including hospitals and residential buildings, are not designed to withstand strong earthquakes, exacerbating the scale of destruction.

What were the immediate effects of the earthquake in Myanmar?

The epicenter was near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, where severe structural damage was reported. Hundreds of buildings crumbled, including key bridges and roads, disrupting transportation.

Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing stated that 144 people had been killed, with at least 732 injured, warning that the death toll was expected to rise. He issued an urgent plea for international aid, acknowledging the country’s limited capacity to handle such a crisis while also battling ongoing civil conflict.

A doctor at Naypyidaw General Hospital—one of the main treatment centers—described the overwhelming influx of casualties. “I haven’t seen anything like this before. We are running out of resources and space,” they stated. The hospital itself suffered structural damage, with reports of a collapsed emergency entrance trapping people inside.

How did Thailand experience such severe tremors despite being far from the epicenter?

Thailand rarely experiences high-magnitude earthquakes, but the country is not immune to seismic activity. Bangkok sits on soft clay soil, which amplifies ground motion, making even distant earthquakes feel stronger.

One of the most shocking incidents from the earthquake was the collapse of a 30-story skyscraper under construction in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district. The disaster left at least ten people dead and more than 80 unaccounted for, prompting emergency response teams to launch search-and-rescue operations.

The city’s governor, Chadchart Sittipunt, declared an emergency, closing metro services and suspending public transport. Airports were briefly shut down for structural safety checks, and parks were opened overnight for residents too afraid to return to their homes.

Videos circulating online showed water sloshing over the edge of rooftop pools, terrified shoppers fleeing malls, and high-rises swaying dramatically. A Scottish tourist in a Bangkok shopping mall described the scene:

“All of a sudden, the whole building began to move. There was a lot of screaming, a lot of panic—people were running the wrong way down escalators, and the noise from collapsing shelves was deafening.”

How does this earthquake compare to previous seismic disasters in Thailand?

Thailand has historically been less prone to devastating earthquakes than Myanmar, but the country has experienced destructive tremors in the past.

In 2014, a 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck northern Thailand’s Chiang Rai province, damaging hundreds of buildings and injuring dozens. In 2004, the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami—one of the deadliest natural disasters ever recorded—devastated Thailand’s coastal areas, killing over 5,000 people, mostly in Phuket and Khao Lak.

While Bangkok was not severely affected in these past events, the latest earthquake has exposed vulnerabilities in the city’s high-rise infrastructure, prompting concerns about building safety regulations.

How did world leaders respond to the Myanmar-Thailand earthquake?

The international community quickly offered aid and assistance in the aftermath of the earthquake.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern and pledged support, stating, “India stands ready to offer all possible assistance. We have asked authorities to be on standby and remain in contact with the governments of Myanmar and Thailand.”

France and the European Union also extended their support, with offers to dispatch humanitarian aid teams and financial assistance.

The World Health Organization (WHO) described the situation as a “very, very big threat to life and health,” mobilizing emergency trauma kits from its logistics hub in Dubai.

Even Pope Francis conveyed his condolences, saying he was “deeply saddened by the loss of life and widespread devastation.”

What challenges lie ahead for Myanmar and Thailand in earthquake recovery?

As Myanmar and Thailand assess the damage, the focus is now shifting to search-and-rescue efforts, medical aid, and long-term rebuilding. However, both countries face distinct challenges.

Myanmar’s political instability complicates aid distribution, as the country is in the midst of a brutal civil conflict between the military junta and resistance forces. Many areas, particularly rural regions, lack the infrastructure needed for swift disaster relief, and collapsed roads and bridges are hindering the delivery of aid to the worst-affected areas.

Thailand’s immediate challenge lies in ensuring structural safety across Bangkok’s high-rises. The government has pledged to conduct thorough inspections, but questions remain over how quickly these measures will be implemented. The economic impact is also a concern, with trading suspended on the Thailand Stock Exchange and fears that tourism, a key industry, may be affected. Meanwhile, public fear and uncertainty persist, with aftershocks continuing to rattle the city.

What does this earthquake reveal about disaster preparedness in Southeast Asia?

The Myanmar-Thailand earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the seismic vulnerabilities of the region. While earthquakes are a natural phenomenon, their destructive impact is magnified by inadequate building regulations, weak emergency response systems, and insufficient public awareness.

For Myanmar, the disaster highlights the urgent need for better earthquake-resistant infrastructure, particularly as the country is located on a major fault line. However, the ongoing conflict and political situation make large-scale safety improvements unlikely in the near future.

For Thailand, the earthquake raises questions about Bangkok’s urban planning and high-rise safety standards. While the city has modern infrastructure, the collapse of newly built structures suggests that construction regulations and inspections must be more rigorous.

As the region continues to develop, governments must prioritize seismic preparedness, stricter building codes, and early-warning systems to prevent future tragedies on this scale.