State of Emergency Declared in Bangkok After 7.7 Earthquake Topples High-Rise

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on Friday morning, March 28, 2025 sending violent tremors across Southeast Asia and causing a 30-story high-rise under construction in Bangkok to collapse. The tragedy left at least nine people dead and over 40 injured, triggering a swift declaration of a state of emergency in Thailand’s capital.

The quake’s shockwaves reached Bangkok, more than 1,000 kilometers from the epicenter, shaking buildings and terrifying residents. The most harrowing moment came when a towering condominium project folded in on itself, captured in a now-viral video. The footage shows the structure sway violently before crumbling into dust, while screams ring out in the background.

Construction workers and passersby were caught in the disaster. Thanakorn Prasit, a laborer on the 12th floor, described the chaos: “Everything was shaking. People yelled. Some jumped. Then the whole thing came down.” Rescue crews pulled survivors from the debris late into the night.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin immediately declared a state of emergency in Bangkok. He urged citizens to stay out of high-rises and remain alert for aftershocks. Emergency crews fanned out across the city, evacuating buildings, inspecting infrastructure, and setting up triage zones.

“This is a heartbreaking moment,” the Prime Minister said in a national address. “We are doing everything we can to save lives and restore order.”

City authorities shut down schools, offices, and transit lines in some districts. Engineers began inspecting structural integrity in high-rise buildings across the capital. Fear of aftershocks drove thousands into parks and open spaces overnight.

Search and rescue teams, aided by sniffer dogs and drones, worked through the rubble. Authorities confirmed at least nine fatalities and over 40 injuries, many critical. Most of the victims were construction workers, though a few bystanders were also caught in the collapse.

“We’re not giving up,” said Captain Narongdet Sirikhan from Bangkok’s Urban Search and Rescue. “We believe some people are still alive under there.”

Hospitals near the site reached capacity. The Ministry of Public Health issued urgent calls for blood donations and deployed emergency personnel to support overwhelmed medical staff.

Construction Practices In Bangkok Under Scrutiny

The high-rise collapse sparked immediate concerns about Bangkok’s building standards. The luxury condominium, nearly finished, was scheduled to open later this year. Early reports suggest it may not have met seismic safety codes. Officials from the Department of Public Works have launched an investigation into whether negligence or violations played a role.

“We will inspect every site like this,” said Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt. “People need answers. And they need to trust that their buildings are safe.”

A spokesperson for the building’s developer expressed shock and pledged full cooperation with the investigation. Meanwhile, authorities ordered all active construction sites across the city to pause for emergency inspections.

Fear spread fast across the capital. Social media is flooded with videos of swaying towers, people sprinting down stairwells, and evacuation alarms echoing through high-rise corridors. Many residents refused to return to their buildings after the initial quake, choosing instead to sleep outside.

Mental health experts joined emergency responders, offering psychological support to those traumatized. “Many thought it was the end,” said Dr. Aranya Mekwan, a crisis counselor. “They need space to process what they went through.”

Transit lines resumed slowly by midday Friday, but building access remains restricted in affected areas.

Quake in Myanmar Sends Shockwaves Across Region

The earthquake originated near Mandalay, Myanmar, at a shallow depth of just 10 kilometers. That shallow depth intensified the shockwave’s reach, spreading chaos into Thailand. While Myanmar suffered the heaviest toll—over 140 dead and 700 injured—Bangkok’s high-rise collapse became the most symbolic tragedy outside the epicenter.

Seismologists confirmed the quake’s unusual depth and angle made it more destructive across long distances. Buildings swayed from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, and aftershocks continue to rattle nerves.

International leaders quickly offered condolences and support. ASEAN partners pledged aid, including rescue equipment and medical supplies. The UN issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over the disaster and offered assistance to both Myanmar and Thailand.

Thailand’s Foreign Ministry confirmed it is coordinating with multiple countries and has accepted offers of help, particularly for advanced rescue gear and mobile field hospitals.

Aftermath and What Comes Next for Bangkok

As rescue efforts continue, the spotlight now shifts to accountability. Officials are expected to review not only the collapsed building but also Bangkok’s broader approach to urban safety and construction oversight.

“This can’t just be about rescue,” said urban planner Somchai Kaewmongkol. “It has to lead to real reform.”

For now, rescue teams continue to pull people from the rubble. Families wait outside hospitals, clinging to hope. And a shaken Bangkok begins the long task of recovery, and rebuilding.