Bangkok Authorities Scramble to Assess Damage
Government Deploys Emergency Response Teams
Authorities in Bangkok are working urgently to assess the damage caused by the powerful Thailand earthquake, sending tremors through Thailand’s capital. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has deployed structural engineers, emergency response teams, and safety inspectors across the city to evaluate the impact on high-rise buildings, bridges, and key infrastructure.
Figure 1: A newspaper front page after the Bangkok Earthquake [Source: BBC]
Traffic-Light System for Building Safety
To streamline assessments after the Bangkok earthquake, the Thai government has implemented a traffic-light system to categorise buildings based on structural integrity:
- Green: Safe for use, no visible damage.
- Yellow: Usable with caution, but requires monitoring or minor repairs.
- Red: Severely damaged, posing a danger to occupants and requiring immediate evacuation.
Powerful quake in Myanmar 🇲🇲 felt in Bangkok, Thailand 🇹🇭
Startled residents poured out of high-rise flats and hotels in densely populated central Bangkok. They remained in the streets, seeking shade from the midday sun in the minutes after the quake.
The quake was forceful… https://t.co/nZ8gMR2z3a pic.twitter.com/pGXM6FEsZf
— Saad Abedine (@SaadAbedine) March 28, 2025
Focus on High-Risk Structures
Initial inspections after the earthquake Thailand have resulted in at least two buildings being shut down due to safety concerns. Authorities are prioritising high-traffic structures, including:
- Hospitals
- Government offices
- Shopping malls
- Residential high-rises
The BMA has urged property owners and landlords to conduct independent safety assessments and report any damage. The city’s civil engineering department is also reviewing compliance with earthquake-resistant construction standards to prevent future disasters.
Figure 2: Rescuers operate at the site of a partially collapsed high-rise under construction following a 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Bangkok, Thailand [Source: Associated Press]
High-Rise Collapses and Infrastructure Failures
Skybridge Collapse in Thonglor
One of the most shocking incidents during the Bangkok earthquake was the collapse of a skybridge connecting two luxury apartment towers in Thonglor. Debris rained down onto the street below, causing panic among residents and pedestrians. Fortunately, there were no casualties, though officials have declared the structure off-limits until repairs are completed.
Figure 3: Horrifying captures of Skybridge Collapse in Thonglor [Source: X]
Construction Site Disaster in Chatuchak
A high-rise under construction near Chatuchak Market suffered a partial collapse, trapping several workers inside. Rescue teams have been working around the clock to recover those still inside the wreckage. Unstable conditions are slowing down operations, and emergency responders are using heavy machinery and drones to locate survivors.
Concerns Over Bangkok’s Rapid Expansion
This earthquake has highlighted concerns about Bangkok’s rapid urban expansion. The city’s skyline has been transformed by high-rise developments, but experts warn that many structures are not designed to withstand seismic activity.
- Bangkok is not located on a major fault line, meaning earthquake preparedness has historically been overlooked in urban planning.
- Older buildings, constructed without modern earthquake-resistant standards, pose the greatest risk in future tremors.
- Experts are urging stricter building codes and retrofitting measures to improve safety.
A strong earthquake erupted in Myanmar 🇲🇲 on Friday, which also led to tremors being felt in neighbouring Vietnam 🇻🇳 and Thailand 🇹🇭
All verified videos from Bangkokhttps://t.co/nSa6Fovu1Vhttps://t.co/phb43vUOTChttps://t.co/SBYtQUhGHhhttps://t.co/CuiWML6jn6… https://t.co/VUMnxGSjU0 pic.twitter.com/M6oXXiWwUo
— Saad Abedine (@SaadAbedine) March 28, 2025
Myanmar: The Epicentre of Devastation
Severe Damage Across Multiple Regions
While Thailand experienced strong tremors, the real devastation occurred in Myanmar, where the 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck. Myanmar’s military government has confirmed extensive damage across multiple regions, including:
- Mandalay – The country’s second-largest city suffered collapsed buildings and severe infrastructure damage.
- Naypyitaw – The capital reported major destruction, including damage to government offices and bridges.
- Sagaing, Bago, and Southern Shan – Entire villages have been destroyed, and key transport routes are blocked.
Figure 4: People running after the collapse of a high-rise building in Thonglor [Source: X]
Series of Powerful Aftershocks
Since the initial quake, Myanmar has experienced at least 14 aftershocks, with the strongest reaching 6.7 magnitude. Many areas remain inaccessible, and communication blackouts are making it difficult to assess the full extent of the disaster.
India and China Send Emergency Aid
India’s Relief Efforts
India has responded swiftly by sending:
- Emergency food supplies
- Blankets and clothing for displaced survivors
- Medical supplies and trauma care kits
- A National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) search-and-rescue team
China’s Search-and-Rescue Operation
China has sent a 37-member emergency team equipped with:
- Drones for aerial damage assessment
- Life detectors to locate survivors under rubble
- Temporary shelters and relief supplies
Myanmar Junta’s Rare Request for International Aid
Myanmar’s ruling military junta, which has historically resisted foreign intervention, has made a rare request for international assistance. This reflects the scale of the disaster, as local resources are insufficient to handle the crisis.
Humanitarian Crisis Worsens Amid Political Turmoil
Challenges in Delivering Aid
Myanmar’s humanitarian situation was already dire due to its ongoing civil war. The military coup in 2021 led to widespread conflict, and now, the earthquake has compounded the crisis. Aid groups are struggling due to:
- Blocked roads and collapsed bridges preventing access to remote villages.
- Communication blackouts making coordination difficult.
- Ongoing military conflicts that pose risks to humanitarian workers.
International Organisations Respond
Global relief organisations are mobilising resources:
- World Vision Myanmar warns that rebuilding could take years.
- Médecins Sans Frontières reports overwhelmed hospitals and severe medical supply shortages.
- Amnesty International has urged Myanmar’s junta to allow unrestricted humanitarian aid access.
- WHO is mobilising trauma supplies and medical teams.
Future Earthquake Preparedness in Bangkok
Calls for Stricter Building Regulations
Although Bangkok avoided widespread devastation, the earthquake has exposed the city’s vulnerability. Experts are recommending:
- Updated earthquake-resistant building codes for all new constructions.
- Retrofitting older buildings to strengthen their resistance.
- Mandatory public earthquake drills to prepare residents for future events.
- Investments in seismic monitoring technology for early warning systems.
Impact on Real Estate Market
Bangkok’s real estate market could see increased scrutiny as a result of the earthquake. Property developers and city planners may be forced to reassess safety measures, potentially leading to:
- Stricter construction permits for new high-rise developments.
- Higher demand for earthquake-resistant housing.
- Increased pressure on landlords to upgrade old buildings.
Conclusion: A Crisis in Two Nations
Bangkok’s Lessons from the Quake
As Thailand deals with structural damage and safety inspections, this earthquake serves as a wake-up call for the country’s urban planners. Future earthquakes may not be as forgiving, and improved preparedness is essential.
Myanmar’s Struggle for Survival
Meanwhile, Myanmar is facing one of its worst natural disasters in decades. With political instability and civil war already straining the country’s resources, the humanitarian crisis is worsening by the day. International aid efforts are being hampered by logistical and political obstacles, leaving many survivors in urgent need of assistance.
The Road to Recovery
Rescue and recovery operations are ongoing, but the full impact of this disaster remains to be seen. Both Thailand and Myanmar must learn critical lessons from this earthquake to ensure that future tremors do not lead to even greater devastation.
