Powerful earthquake strikes Thailand and Myanmar, killing at least three in Bangkok high-rise collapse

A devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar and Thailand on March 28, 2025, causing widespread destruction and panic. The tremor, which originated near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, sent shockwaves across the region, leading to mass evacuations in Bangkok, the Thai capital. The seismic event resulted in the collapse of a high-rise building under construction in Bangkok, killing at least three people and leaving 90 others trapped under the rubble. Myanmar, already grappling with political instability and civil unrest, declared a state of emergency in six regions, including Naypyidaw and Mandalay, as authorities assessed the extent of the damage.

The earthquake’s impact extended beyond the immediate epicenter, with tremors felt in neighboring China, India, and Laos. Reports indicated damage to infrastructure in several cities, compounding the challenges for emergency responders. Myanmar’s government and international relief agencies rushed to mobilize aid, though logistical challenges, including downed power lines and blocked roads, hindered response efforts.

What Were the Immediate Consequences of the Earthquake in Bangkok?

Bangkok, located approximately 1,000 kilometers from the earthquake’s epicenter, experienced significant tremors, causing buildings to sway and prompting widespread evacuations. A high-rise under construction in the Chatuchak district collapsed, burying workers and nearby pedestrians under massive debris. Thai emergency services confirmed that at least three people had died, with first responders scrambling to rescue dozens of others trapped in the wreckage.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as people rushed out of buildings, fearing aftershocks. Videos circulated online showing the moment the high-rise, topped with a construction crane, toppled into a cloud of dust, sending bystanders into a frantic escape.

The earthquake also disrupted transportation networks. Bangkok’s elevated train system and subway were briefly suspended to ensure passenger safety. Authorities declared the city a disaster area to streamline emergency response efforts and facilitate interagency coordination.

How Did Myanmar Respond to the Crisis?

Myanmar’s response to the earthquake was complicated by the country’s ongoing civil conflict. The ruling military government quickly declared a state of emergency in six regions, including Mandalay and Naypyidaw, acknowledging the extensive damage to infrastructure. Initial reports indicated that roads, bridges, and historic structures, including parts of Mandalay’s former royal palace, had suffered significant damage.

Relief efforts faced immediate obstacles due to damaged roads and downed power lines, particularly in the Sagaing and southern Shan regions. The Myanmar Red Cross reported difficulties in reaching affected areas, citing communication breakdowns and safety concerns. Humanitarian organizations expressed concern over how aid would be distributed, given the existing unrest in various parts of the country.

How Did the Earthquake Affect Neighboring Countries?

The tremors were felt beyond Thailand and Myanmar, affecting parts of China, India, and Laos. In China’s Yunnan province, bordering Myanmar, several buildings suffered structural damage, and emergency services reported injuries in the city of Ruili. Chinese state media documented debris strewn across streets and emergency workers assisting injured residents.

In India, tremors were felt in Delhi and the northeastern states, prompting evacuations in high-rise buildings. Residents in Meghalaya and Assam reported strong shaking, though no immediate casualties were recorded. Laos also experienced moderate tremors, particularly in its capital, Vientiane, where people evacuated buildings as a precaution.

Why Is Myanmar Prone to Such Powerful Earthquakes?

Myanmar lies along the seismically active Sagaing Fault, a major tectonic boundary where the Indian and Eurasian plates interact. The region has experienced several major earthquakes in the past, including the 1912 Maymyo earthquake, which had a magnitude of 7.9. The country’s infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, remains vulnerable to seismic activity, increasing the risk of destruction when powerful earthquakes strike.

Bangkok, despite being located further from major fault lines, is not immune to seismic threats. The city’s high population density and numerous high-rise buildings make it particularly susceptible to secondary effects, such as structural collapses and infrastructure failures. Thai authorities have periodically reviewed building codes to improve earthquake resilience, but Friday’s disaster may prompt further regulatory scrutiny.

What Challenges Do Rescuers Face in the Aftermath?

Search and rescue teams in both Thailand and Myanmar face daunting challenges. In Bangkok, the collapsed high-rise’s unstable rubble poses risks for rescuers, slowing the effort to reach survivors. First responders have warned that the structure’s precarious state makes every attempt to remove debris a calculated risk.

In Myanmar, damaged roads and bridges hinder relief convoys trying to access affected areas. The military-led government’s strained relationship with international aid organizations further complicates response efforts, raising concerns about whether sufficient assistance will reach those in need.

The earthquake’s impact has reignited discussions on disaster preparedness in Southeast Asia. While Thailand and Myanmar have experienced earthquakes before, urban centers such as Bangkok remain highly vulnerable to tremors due to their dense infrastructure. Experts argue that improved seismic-resistant building designs and stronger enforcement of construction regulations could mitigate future disasters.

As the region reels from the destruction, governments and aid organizations are mobilizing resources to assist those affected. However, with rescue efforts still underway, the full extent of the earthquake’s toll remains uncertain.