Bangkok, Thailand – A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake, with its epicenter in Myanmar, sent shockwaves through Southeast Asia on Friday, causing dramatic scenes in Bangkok as skyscrapers at the upscale Park Origin Thonglor complex oscillated visibly. The rare seismic event, which struck midday, has left residents and authorities on edge, with the full scope of its impact still unfolding.
Videos circulating online captured the stunning sway of the towering structures in the Thonglor district, a trendy area known for its luxury high-rises and vibrant nightlife. The footage shows the buildings bending and flexing under the force of the tremors, a testament to the intensity of the quake felt hundreds of miles from its origin near Mandalay, Myanmar. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported the earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, amplifying its effects across the region.
The stunning oscillation of the skyscrapers at Park Origin Thonglor complex in Bangkok, during today's earthquake with its epicenter in Myanmar.pic.twitter.com/4GrjoqQokO
— Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) March 28, 2025
In Bangkok, the tremors triggered widespread panic as residents evacuated swaying buildings. At Park Origin Thonglor, a modern residential and commercial complex, the oscillation of the skyscrapers was particularly striking, with some onlookers describing it as “like watching a scene from a disaster movie.” No immediate structural damage was reported at the complex, but the event has raised questions about the resilience of Bangkok’s high-rise skyline, built on soft alluvial soil known to amplify seismic waves.
Elsewhere in the Thai capital, a high-rise under construction near Chatuchak Market collapsed, trapping dozens of workers and killing at least two, according to the latest updates from Thai emergency responders. Rescue operations are ongoing, with authorities cautioning that the casualty count could rise. The quake also prompted the suspension of metro and light rail services, while the Stock Exchange of Thailand halted trading.
Also Read: Massive 7.7 Magnitude Earthquake Triggers High-Rise Collapse in Thailand
In Myanmar, closer to the epicenter, reports indicate significant damage, including the collapse of a 90-year-old bridge in the Sagaing region and parts of Mandalay’s former royal palace. Myanmar’s military junta has declared a state of emergency in affected areas, though detailed casualty figures remain unavailable amid the country’s ongoing civil conflict.
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has declared Bangkok an emergency zone, urging residents to remain vigilant as aftershocks, including a 6.4 magnitude tremor shortly after the initial quake, continue to rattle the region. “We’re assessing the damage and prioritizing rescue efforts,” she said in a statement from Phuket, where she cut short an official visit.
As of 4:17 PM IST (5:47 PM local time), experts warn that aftershocks could persist, keeping emergency services on high alert. The oscillation of skyscrapers like those at Park Origin Thonglor serves as a stark visual reminder of the quake’s reach, with this latest update underscoring the ongoing challenges facing Thailand and Myanmar in its aftermath. More details are expected as rescue and assessment efforts progress.
Key Points :
- Earthquake Details: A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck on March 28, 2025, with its epicenter in Myanmar near Mandalay, at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, causing widespread effects across Southeast Asia.
- Bangkok Impact: In Bangkok, skyscrapers at the Park Origin Thonglor complex in the Thonglor district visibly swayed during the quake, captured in striking online videos, though no immediate structural damage was reported at the site.
- Construction Collapse: A high-rise under construction near Chatuchak Market in Bangkok collapsed, killing at least two workers and trapping dozens, with rescue operations ongoing and fears of a rising casualty toll.
- Regional Effects: Tremors were felt across Thailand, Myanmar, and beyond, with Myanmar reporting damage to a 90-year-old bridge in Sagaing and parts of Mandalay’s royal palace; Myanmar’s junta declared a state of emergency.
- Bangkok Response: Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra declared Bangkok an emergency zone, suspending metro and Stock Exchange operations, while aftershocks, including a 6.4 magnitude tremor, continue to jolt the area.
- Safety Concerns: The quake’s impact on Bangkok’s high-rises, built on soft soil that amplifies seismic waves, has raised questions about structural resilience, with experts warning of persistent aftershocks.
- Latest Update: As of 4:17 PM IST (5:47 PM local time), emergency services remain on high alert, with rescue and damage assessments ongoing across affected regions, including Thailand and Myanmar.
