By: Isuru Parakrama
March 28, World (LNW): Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has declared a state of emergency in Bangkok after a massive earthquake struck neighbouring Myanmar, sending powerful tremors across the region and causing widespread panic.
The earthquake, recorded at a magnitude of 7.9 by the China Earthquake Networks Center, occurred at 2:20 pm Beijing Time, with its impact strongly felt in Thailand, China, and other neighbouring countries.
The tremors led to significant structural damage, particularly in Bangkok, where a partially constructed State Audit building in the Chatuchak district collapsed completely, according to reports from the Khaosod news portal.
In response to the seismic event, Thailand’s stock exchange suspended all trading activities for the remainder of the day. The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) announced the immediate closure of all markets, including the Market for Alternative Investment (MAI) and the Thailand Futures Exchange (TFEX), citing safety concerns and market instability.
Witnesses in Bangkok described scenes of panic as buildings swayed and people rushed to safety. Yang Wanli, a journalist for China Daily based in the Thai capital, recounted her experience whilst dining at a restaurant. “I was having lunch when the ground suddenly started shaking. It continued for several seconds, stopped momentarily, and then resumed with even greater intensity,” she recalled. She later observed streetlights on an elevated expressway swaying violently.
Authorities are currently assessing the full extent of the damage whilst emergency response teams remain on high alert. No official casualty figures have been released yet, but concerns are mounting over potential aftershocks and further disruptions to infrastructure.
The Thai government has urged residents to remain vigilant and adhere to safety protocols as rescue and relief operations get underway.
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