Thailand’s Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, instructed the Interior Minister on Friday to declare Bangkok an emergency area after a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake shook the Thai capital. Paetongtarn, who is on a working visit to Phuket, also ordered the immediate implementation of response measures and the full mobilisation of resources for earthquake relief efforts.
She indicated that experts have predicted aftershocks within the next two hours, though the intensity is expected to gradually decrease. “Statistical data suggests that aftershocks may persist for up to 24 hours. I urge people to evacuate high-rise buildings and remain calm yet vigilant. Schools have been advised to send students home as a precaution,” she informed reporters after convening an emergency meeting in Phuket.
Paetongtarn announced her intention to return to Bangkok immediately and chair an emergency meeting with all relevant agencies at 5 pm on Friday. Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation reported that the 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar at 1:20 pm, resulting in tremors felt in Bangkok.
Local media covered the collapse of a building under construction in the Chatuchak district due to the earthquake, which trapped 43 workers, as reported by the National Institute for Emergency Medicine. Meanwhile, in Bangkok, residents evacuated buildings, and businesses temporarily closed as a precaution.
Authorities are assessing damage and monitoring for aftershocks. The Stock Exchange of Thailand has suspended all trading activities for the afternoon session on Friday. The Bangkok Mass Transit System announced via its official X account that the Sukhumvit Line, Silom Line, and Gold Line are temporarily closed, with passenger services suspended.
