BANGKOK — A powerful earthquake originating in Myanmar struck on March 28, 2025, sending tremors through Thailand and causing a devastating building collapse in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district. At least three lives have been lost, with dozens reported trapped under rubble at a construction site. In response, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has issued an urgent nationwide alert, warning of potential aftershocks and the risk of another significant quake within the next 24 hours. As the nation braces for further seismic activity, a coordinated government response is underway to ensure public safety and manage the unfolding crisis.
Immediate Impact and Government Response
The earthquake, felt across much of Thailand, has left urban centers like Bangkok reeling. The collapse of a building under construction in Chatuchak has become the focal point of rescue efforts, with emergency services working tirelessly to free those trapped. Prime Minister Shinawatra, who was in Phuket when the disaster struck, is cutting short her visit to return to the capital and oversee the response. Speaking from Phuket earlier today, she urged calm but emphasized vigilance, stating, “All relevant ministries have been activated. We urge the public to remain calm but vigilant. Schools have been dismissed early for the safety of students. Further updates will be provided as the situation unfolds.” 
The government’s response has been swift and multi-faceted. The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society is deploying SMS alerts with safety guidelines, while public service announcements are being broadcast across all media platforms. Security forces have been mobilized to maintain order and protect vulnerable areas, and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is actively assessing seismic activity to predict potential aftershocks. Experts have warned that aftershocks are common within the first two hours following an earthquake, though they are typically less intense. However, statistical data suggests a notable risk of another significant quake within the next day, heightening public anxiety.
Infrastructure and Public Safety Measures
The quake’s impact on infrastructure has been immediate and widespread. Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok’s main international hub, suspended flight operations for 20 minutes as a precautionary measure before resuming services. The Ministry of Transport is closely monitoring roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure for damage. In urban areas, malls and high-rise buildings have been evacuated, with the Prime Minister advising residents to avoid using elevators and seek open spaces during potential aftershocks.
Thailand’s stock exchange also suspended trading temporarily in the wake of the disaster, reflecting the broader economic ripples of the event. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Health has placed hospitals and emergency services on high alert, prepared to handle any influx of casualties. The public has been encouraged to stay updated through 24-hour broadcasts on National Broadcasting Services of Thailand (NBT), ensuring access to real-time information as the situation develops.
Regional Context and Seismic Risks
The earthquake’s epicenter in Myanmar underscores the interconnected seismic risks in the region. Thailand, while not as prone to major earthquakes as some of its neighbors, sits near active fault lines, making it vulnerable to tremors originating beyond its borders. Today’s event serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of such disasters and the importance of regional cooperation in disaster preparedness. The Myanmar quake’s effects were felt across Thailand, from the southern peninsula to northern regions like Chiang Mai, though the most severe damage has been reported in Bangkok.
Seismologists with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment are working to provide accurate forecasts, but the science of predicting aftershocks remains imprecise. While the immediate risk of a follow-up quake is a pressing concern, the broader challenge lies in ensuring that Thailand’s infrastructure—particularly in densely populated urban centers like Bangkok—is resilient enough to withstand future events. Aging buildings and ongoing construction projects, such as the one that collapsed in Chatuchak, raise questions about safety standards and regulatory oversight, though no official findings on the cause of the collapse have been released.
Human Toll and Community Impact
Beyond the physical destruction, the human toll of the earthquake is becoming painfully clear. The loss of at least three lives in the Chatuchak collapse has cast a somber shadow over the city, with rescue operations ongoing to locate and save those still trapped.Eyewitness accounts describe scenes of chaos as the building crumbled, with dust and debris filling the air while bystanders scrambled to help. Local authorities have yet to release the identities of the victims or confirm the total number of injuries, but the scale of the disaster suggests that the casualty count may rise as more information emerges.
In response, communities across Bangkok and beyond are rallying to support those affected. Schools have been dismissed early to ensure the safety of students, and many businesses have shuttered for the day as a precaution. Social media platforms are abuzz with messages of concern and solidarity, as well as practical advice on how to prepare for aftershocks. The government’s SMS alerts and media broadcasts are playing a critical role in disseminating information, though some residents in remote areas report delays in receiving updates, highlighting disparities in access to emergency communications.
Economic and Political Implications
The earthquake’s economic impact is already evident, with the temporary suspension of stock trading and disruptions to travel and commerce. Bangkok, as Thailand’s economic heart, is particularly vulnerable to such shocks, and the closure of major malls and business districts could have lingering effects on consumer confidence. Small businesses, already strained by inflationary pressures and post-pandemic recovery challenges, may bear the brunt of these disruptions. While no official estimates of economic damage have been released, the cost of rebuilding and recovery efforts is expected to be significant, potentially straining government budgets.
Politically, the disaster presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who has been in office for less than a year. Her administration’s handling of the crisis will likely shape public perception of her leadership, especially as Thailand navigates a period of political transition and economic uncertainty. A decisive and transparent response could bolster her standing, while any perceived missteps—such as delays in aid or inadequate safety measures—could fuel criticism. For now, her call for unity and vigilance appears to resonate with a public eager for reassurance in the face of an unpredictable threat.
Looking Ahead: Preparedness and Resilience
As Thailand grapples with the aftermath of this earthquake, attention is turning to the broader question of disaster preparedness. Urban planning experts have long warned of the risks posed by rapid urbanization and lax building codes in cities like Bangkok, where high-density construction often outpaces safety regulations. The collapse in Chatuchak may prompt renewed scrutiny of these issues, though it remains to be seen whether the government will prioritize long-term reforms amid the immediate demands of the current crisis.
Public sentiment, as gauged through social media and initial reports, reflects a mix of fear and determination. Many Thais are looking to their leaders for guidance, while others are taking matters into their own hands by organizing community-level responses. International aid and expertise may also play a role if the situation worsens, with neighboring countries and global organizations likely monitoring developments closely.
As the nation awaits further updates on potential aftershocks, the resilience of Thailand’s people and institutions will be tested. For now, the focus remains on saving lives and securing vulnerable areas, with Prime Minister Shinawatra’s return to Bangkok signaling the gravity of the moment. The coming hours and days will reveal the full extent of this disaster—and whether Thailand can emerge stronger from the tremors that have shaken its capital to the core.
