BANGKOK — A powerful earthquake originating in Myanmar shook Thailand on March 28, 2025, causing a building collapse in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district that claimed at least three lives and trapped dozens under rubble. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, cutting short a visit to Phuket, issued a nationwide alert for potential aftershocks and ordered a coordinated government response to manage the unfolding crisis. With experts warning of a possible recurrence within 24 hours, the nation remains on edge as authorities scramble to ensure public safety.

Immediate Impact and Government Response

The earthquake, felt across much of Thailand, triggered widespread disruption, with malls in Bangkok evacuated and the country’s stock exchange suspending trading temporarily. Suvarnabhumi Airport, a major regional hub, halted flight operations for 20 minutes as a precaution before resuming services. The Ministry of Transport continues to monitor travel infrastructure for signs of damage, while the Ministry of Public Health has placed hospitals and emergency services on high alert to handle potential casualties.

Prime Minister Shinawatra, addressing the nation from Phuket before returning to the capital, urged calm but emphasized vigilance. “All relevant ministries have been activated” she declared, adding that schools were dismissed early to ensure student safety. She also advised residents of high-rise buildings to avoid elevators and seek open spaces in case of aftershocks. Her government has mobilized security forces to maintain order and protect vulnerable areas, while the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment assesses seismic activity to predict future tremors.

To keep the public informed, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society has deployed SMS alerts with safety guidelines, complemented by public service announcements across television, radio, and online platforms. The state-run National Broadcasting Services of Thailand (NBT) is providing 24-hour updates, ensuring citizens have access to the latest information as the situation develops.

Human Toll and Structural Damage

The most devastating impact so far has been the collapse of a building under construction in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district, a bustling area known for its weekend market. Initial reports confirm three fatalities, with rescue operations ongoing to free dozens believed to be trapped beneath the debris. Emergency teams are working against the clock, hampered by the risk of aftershocks that could destabilize the site further. The Prime Minister visited the location upon her return to Bangkok, underscoring the urgency of the response.

Across the capital, reports of minor structural damage have emerged, though the full extent remains unclear. In commercial areas, malls and office buildings were evacuated as a precaution, disrupting daily life for thousands. The psychological toll is evident, with residents expressing anxiety over the possibility of another quake. “I’ve never felt anything like this” said a Bangkok shopkeeper who requested anonymity. “We’re all just waiting to see what happens next.”

Seismic Risks and Expert Warnings

Experts from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment have cautioned that aftershocks are common in the hours following a major earthquake, often occurring within the first two hours. While these are typically less severe, statistical models suggest a heightened risk of another significant tremor within the next 24 hours. This uncertainty has fueled public concern, particularly in urban centers like Bangkok, where high-density housing and aging infrastructure amplify the potential for damage.

The earthquake’s epicenter in Myanmar, a region prone to tectonic activity, serves as a reminder of the shared seismic risks facing Southeast Asia. Thailand, though not as frequently affected as neighboring countries like Indonesia, has experienced notable quakes in the past, including a 6.1-magnitude event in 2014 that struck the northern province of Chiang Rai. Today’s event, while less intense in some areas, underscores the need for robust disaster preparedness—a challenge successive Thai governments have grappled with amid competing national priorities.

For Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who assumed office in 2024 as Thailand’s youngest-ever leader, the earthquake presents an early test of her administration’s crisis management capabilities. Her swift return to Bangkok and hands-on approach—evident in her visit to the collapse site—signal an intent to project control and reassure the public. However, the effectiveness of the government’s response will likely shape public perception in the coming days, especially if aftershocks materialize or rescue efforts face setbacks.

Critics have already begun questioning the state of urban planning and building regulations, particularly in light of the Chatuchak collapse. Construction standards in Thailand have long been a point of contention, with allegations of lax enforcement and corruption occasionally surfacing in public discourse. While there is no evidence to suggest negligence in this specific case, the incident may reignite calls for stricter oversight—an issue Shinawatra’s government will need to address to maintain credibility.

On a broader scale, the earthquake highlights the interconnected nature of regional disasters. With Myanmar’s political instability complicating cross-border coordination, Thailand must largely manage the fallout independently. Yet, the event could prompt renewed dialogue on disaster resilience among ASEAN member states, many of which face similar geophysical threats. For now, Thai authorities remain focused on immediate priorities: safeguarding lives and stabilizing affected areas.

Economic Disruptions and Recovery Outlook

The temporary suspension of trading at Thailand’s stock exchange reflects the quake’s ripple effects on the economy, a critical concern for a country reliant on tourism and trade. Bangkok, as the nation’s economic heart, cannot afford prolonged disruption, particularly at Suvarnabhumi Airport, which serves millions of passengers annually. While the brief halt in flights caused minimal delays, any further interruptions could impact investor confidence and travel plans ahead of the peak tourist season.

Small businesses, already strained by inflationary pressures in recent years, face additional challenges. Evacuated malls and reduced foot traffic in commercial districts translate to lost revenue for vendors and retailers. Government assistance, if announced, could mitigate some of these losses, though no specific measures have been detailed at the time of reporting. The cost of rebuilding damaged infrastructure, while not yet quantified, will also test public finances.

Humanitarian needs are equally pressing. With medical facilities on standby, the Ministry of Public Health is preparing for a potential influx of injuries should aftershocks strike. Community organizations and local leaders have begun mobilizing to support displaced residents, particularly those near the Chatuchak site, though resources remain stretched thin in the initial hours of the crisis.

Public Sentiment and Forward-Looking Measures

As Thailand braces for possible aftershocks, public sentiment oscillates between fear and resilience. Social media platforms reveal a mix of concern and frustration, with some users praising the government’s rapid communication while others demand clearer timelines for safety assessments. The Prime Minister’s call for calm has resonated with many, but the specter of another quake looms large, especially for families in densely populated urban areas.

Looking ahead, the government faces the dual task of managing immediate threats and addressing systemic vulnerabilities. Investments in seismic monitoring and public education on earthquake preparedness, long advocated by environmental experts, could gain traction in the wake of this event. Urban planning reforms, too, may emerge as a priority if structural failures are found to have exacerbated today’s casualties.

For now, Thailand holds its breath, awaiting updates on seismic activity and the fate of those still trapped in Bangkok. As rescue operations continue and ministries coordinate their response, the nation’s resolve will be tested—not just by the earth’s tremors, but by the challenges of recovery and rebuilding in the days to come.