Mahanakhon Sways as Powerful Earthquake Shakes Bangkok and Myanmar

Bangkok, Thailand: A devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar today, sending powerful tremors across Southeast Asia and causing widespread panic in Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, where the iconic Mahanakhon building was recorded swaying dramatically. The quake, centered near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, hit at approximately 12:50 p.m. local time, followed by a significant 6.4-magnitude aftershock just 12 minutes later, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

The effects reverberated hundreds of miles, with Bangkok—nearly 960 kilometers from the epicenter—experiencing intense shaking that left residents and tourists fleeing into the streets.

The iconic Mahanakorn building swaying during Bangkok earthquake today.pic.twitter.com/LO5uRRmVDQ

— Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) March 28, 2025

Videos circulating on social media captured the Mahanakhon, one of Bangkok’s tallest and most luxurious skyscrapers, visibly swaying as the tremors rattled the city. Known for its distinctive pixelated design and high-end condominiums, the building’s modern seismic engineering appears to have held firm, with no immediate reports of structural damage. However, the sight of the towering structure moving sent shockwaves of fear through onlookers, many of whom evacuated high-rise buildings across the city. “I thought I was dizzy at first, but then I saw the Mahanakhon swaying—it was terrifying,” said Varunyou Armarttayakul, an office worker in downtown Bangkok.

Also Read: Massive 7.7 Magnitude Earthquake Triggers High-Rise Collapse in Thailand

The earthquake’s toll was far graver elsewhere. In Bangkok, a 30-story skyscraper under construction near the bustling Chatuchak Market collapsed, killing at least three workers and trapping 81 others in the rubble, according to Thai authorities. Rescue operations are underway, with emergency teams racing against time amid warnings of possible aftershocks. In Myanmar, reports indicate significant destruction, with buildings collapsing in Mandalay, Naypyidaw, and other cities, and hundreds feared dead or injured. Myanmar’s military junta declared a state of emergency across six regions, while Bangkok was designated a disaster zone as officials assess the damage.

The USGS has warned that the shallow quake, at a depth of just 10 kilometers, could result in thousands of casualties, particularly in Myanmar’s densely populated areas. As the region braces for aftershocks, the international community, including India and the EU, has pledged support for rescue and recovery efforts. For now, the swaying Mahanakhon stands as a stark symbol of nature’s power, even as the human cost of this disaster continues to unfold.

Key Pointers:

Earthquake Details:

• A 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit near Mandalay, Myanmar, at 12:50 p.m. local time, followed by a 6.4-magnitude aftershock 12 minutes later. The quake’s shallow depth of 10 kilometers amplified its destructive power, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

1. Impact in Bangkok, Thailand:
   • The iconic Mahanakhon building, one of Bangkok’s tallest skyscrapers, was seen swaying during the tremors, though it sustained no reported structural damage.
   • A 30-story skyscraper under construction near Chatuchak Market collapsed, killing at least three workers and trapping 81 others in the rubble. Rescue operations are ongoing, with emergency teams using drones and police dogs to locate survivors.
   • Bangkok has been declared a disaster zone, with schools closed nationwide and public transportation, including metro and rail services, suspended temporarily.
2. Impact in Myanmar:
   • Significant destruction reported in Mandalay, Naypyidaw, and other cities, with buildings, bridges (including the historic Ava Bridge), and roads collapsing.
   • Myanmar’s military junta declared a state of emergency across six regions, including Mandalay and Naypyidaw, and made a rare request for international aid. Hospitals are overwhelmed, with hundreds injured and at least 20 confirmed deaths reported at Naypyidaw’s 1,000-bed general hospital.
3. Casualty Estimates:
   • The USGS warns that the shallow quake could result in thousands of casualties, particularly in Myanmar’s densely populated areas. Exact figures remain unclear due to limited information from Myanmar amid its ongoing civil war and restricted media access.
4. Regional Effects:
   • Tremors were felt across Southeast Asia, including Chiang Mai (Thailand), Yunnan and Sichuan provinces (China), Bangladesh, Cambodia, Vietnam, and parts of India (e.g., Kolkata and Imphal). Minor damage and injuries were reported in China’s Ruili city.
5. Response Efforts:
   • Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra declared an emergency zone in Bangkok and is coordinating rescue efforts.
   • International support has been pledged by India, the EU, and France, with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) assessing needs in Myanmar.
6. Ongoing Concerns:
   • Aftershocks remain a threat, with authorities urging caution. In Myanmar, damaged infrastructure, including large dams, is under close watch by the Red Cross.