Myanmar earthquake shakes multiple districts in Chiang Rai
Shaking hit Mae Chan, Mae Lao, Mae Sai, Mueang, Wiang Chai
An earthquake measuring 5.2 on the Richter scale rocked large parts of Chiang Rai, with tremors strong enough to jolt desks, rattle ceiling tiles and set computer screens quivering.
Natthawut Dandee, Deputy Director General of the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD), confirmed the quake struck at 3.06pm yesterday, July 14, originating 10 kilometres underground in neighbouring Myanmar.
The epicentre was located about 132 kilometres northeast of Chiang Rai’s Mae Sai district, close enough to be felt across several towns and villages.
The Earthquake Observation Division reported widespread shaking across Mae Chan, Mae Lao, Mae Sai, Mueang and Wiang Chai districts.
Residents described a tense few seconds as buildings vibrated beneath them.
“My desk was shaking, and I heard a loud noise coming from the ceiling panels,” said one office worker in Mueang district.
In Mae Sai, locals rushed out of their homes as walls trembled and hanging decorations swung.
“It felt like a heavy truck was rumbling past the house, but it kept going,” a resident said.
The TMD said no damage or casualties had been reported as of yesterday evening, though officials urged residents to stay alert for possible aftershocks, reported Bangkok Post.
Northern Thailand sits on a network of fault lines that occasionally trigger moderate earthquakes. This tremor follows a series of smaller quakes recorded in the region over recent months, underlining the area’s seismic risks.
Natthawut explained that while the quake’s strength was moderate, the shallow depth meant vibrations travelled further than deeper quakes.
“People in tall buildings or on higher floors often feel such quakes more strongly,” he said.
Local officials reminded residents to familiarise themselves with safety procedures in the event of stronger aftershocks.
“Stay calm, move away from heavy objects, and exit the building if you feel unsafe.”
Local officials said they would continue monitoring seismic activity closely. For now, Chiang Rai residents can breathe a sigh of relief that the quake brought more of a scare than destruction.
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