Minor earthquake shakes Nong Bua Lamphu, causes local concern
Tremors shake residents as officials monitor for potential aftershocks
An earthquake measuring 3.0 magnitude was reported at 1.36am today, May 6, in Nong Bua Lamphu province, originating at a depth of 4 kilometres in Boon Than subdistrict, Suwannakhuha district. The tremors were felt in Boon Than and Saeng Arun villages, causing concern among residents.
The earthquake was attributed to the Loei Suture, a geological fault line. Historically, this region has experienced similar seismic activity, with previous earthquakes recorded at magnitudes of 3.4 in 2018, 3.8 in 2020, and 2.6 in 2024. The presence of a meteorological station in Loei province allows for precise measurement of these occurrences, which are not considered disasters.
According to experts, the northeastern region of Thailand, particularly Loei and Bueng Kan provinces, is of interest due to active fault lines such as the Loei Suture and Thakhek Fault. Other faults in the area, like those in Korat, Phu Khieo, and Satuek, are considered inactive and pose no significant threat.
Geological forces from the Sumatra-Andaman subduction zone are the predominant cause of seismic activity in the broader region, although their impact is minimal in northeastern Thailand.
Experts argue against misinformation, suggesting the northeast harbours numerous dangerous fault lines. They emphasise that, aside from Loei and Bueng Kan, the region’s faults are inactive and unlikely to reactivate.
This inactivity is mirrored across Thailand, with multiple dormant faults in the north, west, and south of the country. Attempts to reactivate these faults would be as unlikely as awakening ancient volcanoes, such as Phanom Rung and Khao Kradong.
The explanation serves to reassure the public, advising against undue panic over potential seismic disasters in the northeast. The focus remains on using geological features for scientific understanding rather than as a cause for alarm, reported KhaoSod.
In similar news, residents in northern Thailand were jolted from sleep as tremors from a Myanmar earthquake reached across the border, sparking concerns about potential future quakes.
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