Bangkok High-Rise Collapses Amid Devastating 7.7-Magnitude Earthquake on Thailand-Myanmar Border

 Bangkok High-Rise Collapses Amid Devastating 7.7-Magnitude Earthquake on Thailand-Myanmar Border

Bangkok, Thailand – A catastrophic 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck the border between Thailand and Myanmar on March 28, 2025, sending shockwaves through the region and causing widespread devastation. Among the worst-hit locations was Bangkok, where an under-construction 30-story skyscraper collapsed, killing at least three people and leaving dozens trapped beneath the rubble.





Mass Destruction and Rising Death Toll

The earthquake’s epicenter was located near Mandalay, Myanmar, where the disaster has already claimed over 144 lives and left more than 700 people injured. Tremors were felt across Thailand, shaking major cities and triggering widespread panic. Bangkok, though nearly 500 kilometers from the epicenter, experienced intense seismic waves that compromised the structural integrity of several buildings.

Authorities report that the collapsed high-rise in Bangkok was an active construction site at the time of the disaster, with at least 43 workers unaccounted for. Emergency rescue teams have been working tirelessly to locate survivors, but concerns over aftershocks and unstable debris are complicating efforts.

Eyewitnesses Recall Moments of Terror

As the earthquake struck, residents across Bangkok described scenes of chaos. “It felt like the entire city was shaking,” said one witness. “We saw a five-story building sway before it crumbled. The ground felt unstable, like it was rolling beneath our feet.”

The impact of the quake extended beyond Bangkok, with reports of structural collapses in Chiang Mai and other northern Thai provinces. In Myanmar, major cities including Mandalay and Naypyidaw suffered severe damage, with thousands feared displaced.

Government Declares State of Emergency

In response to the disaster, the Thai government has declared Bangkok an emergency zone, urging residents to evacuate damaged high-rise buildings. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has mobilized national emergency response teams, vowing swift action to rescue those trapped and provide relief to affected communities.

“Our priority is to save lives and ensure the safety of our citizens,” Shinawatra stated in a press conference. “We are deploying all necessary resources to assist those affected by this devastating earthquake.”

The collapse of the Bangkok high-rise has raised critical questions about urban infrastructure resilience in earthquake-prone areas. While Thailand does not frequently experience powerful earthquakes, the region’s growing skyline and rapid urbanization have intensified concerns over building code enforcement and seismic preparedness.

Experts warn that inadequate structural reinforcements and poor adherence to earthquake-resistant engineering standards could have contributed to the disaster. Officials have announced immediate structural inspections of all high-rise buildings in Bangkok to assess their safety.

As the death toll continues to rise, international relief organizations and emergency teams are collaborating to provide humanitarian aid to the affected regions. Search-and-rescue teams equipped with sniffer dogs, drones, and specialized machinery are working through the debris, hoping to locate survivors.

Thailand’s Meteorological Department has cautioned that aftershocks could continue for days, urging the public to remain vigilant and stay away from unstable structures.

The tragedy underscores the urgent need for stricter building regulations and improved disaster preparedness in Southeast Asia. As climate change and geological shifts increase the likelihood of extreme seismic events, experts emphasize that urban centers must adopt advanced engineering techniques to withstand future earthquakes.

For now, Thailand and Myanmar mourn the devastating loss while bracing for a long and difficult recovery. The resilience and solidarity of affected communities will be crucial in overcoming this tragedy.


For real-time updates on the Bangkok earthquake and ongoing rescue efforts, follow trusted news sources such as The Guardian, People, and New York Post.

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