Bangkok buildings rattle as 5.4 quake strikes off Myanmar
Parts of central Bangkok felt vibrations but no serious threat, experts reassured
Office workers fled, lamps swung, and nerves were tested as a powerful earthquake sent tremors through Bangkok high-rises this morning.
Thailand’s Earthquake Observation Division reported a 5.4-magnitude earthquake at 9.58am today, August 21, centred 10 kilometres underground in the Andaman Sea, roughly 211 kilometres southwest of Mae Sot district in Tak province.
The tremors were felt across multiple districts in Bangkok, startling residents and sparking online reports of dizziness and swaying buildings.
According to Natthawut Dandee, Deputy Director-General of the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) and Acting Director of the Earthquake Observation Division, the quake was linked to activity along the Sagaing Fault in Myanmar. This same fault was responsible for the March 28 quake that caused damage and fatalities in both Thailand and Myanmar.
Today’s tremors prompted evacuations at several office buildings in Bangkok. In Din Daeng, Ministry of Labour staff fled outside after feeling the ground shake. A worker on the 11th floor of the Prime Building in Klong Toei Nuea district described feeling tremors for around 10 seconds. Reports also came in from Ratchathewi, Pathum Wan, Huai Kwang, Phaya Thai, Bang Kae, Bang Rak and Khlong San districts.
“People said they felt dizzy, and some saw lamps swinging. Most were in buildings taller than 10 storeys,” said an official from the TMD.
Bangkok Post reported that despite the unsettling experience, experts assured the public there was no cause for alarm.
“This quake did not forecast anything; it was normal activity by the fault,” said Chulalongkorn University geological professor Santi Pailoplee.
“It was not serious. People should not panic. Because Thailand sits on a fault plate, occasional tremors are to be expected.”
As Thailand continues to feel the effects of regional seismic shifts, city officials encourage citizens to stay informed through official alerts and remain calm during minor quakes.
Last month, a 5.2-magnitude earthquake shook much of Chiang Rai, causing desks to jolt and ceiling tiles to rattle.
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