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Videos capture the exact moment of the earthquake in Bangkok, Thailand

A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake with its epicenter in Myanmar struck Bangkok, Thailand. Videos captured the devastation.

terremoto myanmar tailandia 2025

A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake with its epicenter in northwestern Myanmar shook several Southeast Asian countries this Friday, March 28, including Thailand, where the capital city, Bangkok, was declared an “emergency zone” due to structural risks in buildings and the collapse of several constructions. The quake was recorded at 12:50 p.m. (local time) and caused panic among city residents.

Videos recorded by security cameras, cell phones, and building surveillance systems captured the exact moment of the earthquake, showing lamps, windows, and entire structures shaking violently. On social media, the videos went viral within minutes, with thousands of users sharing footage of the event.

Where is Myanmar located?

Myanmar (also known as Burma) is located in Southeast Asia and borders the following countries:

  • North and northwest: China and India
  • West: Bangladesh
  • East: Laos and Thailand
  • South: it has an extensive coastline along the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal

Its current capital is Naypyidaw, although its largest and best-known city is Yangon (Rangoon). Another important city is Mandalay, which was close to the epicenter of the recent earthquake.

Where was the epicenter of the earthquake that shook Thailand?

Although Bangkok was one of the hardest-hit cities outside Myanmar, the epicenter of the quake was located about 17 kilometers from the city of Mandalay, in the northern part of the neighboring country. The quake had a depth of 10 kilometers, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), which intensified its surface impact.

The affected region is part of the well-known Sagaing Fault, a zone of high seismic activity caused by the movement between the Indian and Asian tectonic plates. Friday’s quake is the strongest to hit Myanmar since 1946, and its intensity was such that it was strongly felt in distant cities like Chiang Mai, Phuket, and of course, Bangkok.

What damage did the earthquake cause in Bangkok?

In Bangkok, the earthquake prompted the evacuation of multiple skyscrapers and residential towers. According to Thai authorities, at least three people died and dozens are missing after the collapse of a building under construction near Chatuchak Park. Several hospitals reported injuries from falling objects, fractures, and panic attacks.

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra confirmed in a statement that at least 12 aftershocks had been recorded but clarified that there was no tsunami risk, as the epicenter was inland. He also stated that most of the structural damage occurred in constructions already under development or with previous structural issues.

Why are there more videos of the earthquake in Bangkok than in Myanmar?

One of the greatest paradoxes of this natural disaster is that there are more images available from Thailand than from Myanmar, where the epicenter occurred. This is mainly due to the information restrictions imposed by the military junta governing Myanmar since the 2021 coup. Internet access is limited, many media outlets have been shut down, and international organizations face difficulties operating in the country.

In contrast, Thailand has a much more open digital infrastructure, which allowed for the almost immediate circulation of videos, live broadcasts, and citizen reports. Social media was flooded with footage showing buildings shaking, objects falling, and people running for shelter.

What buildings were damaged in Mandalay?

Meanwhile, in Myanmar, reports from the outlet Myanmar Now and the state-run MRTV confirmed that the Royal Palace of Mandalay, one of the country’s most important historical sites, suffered severe damage. Parts of the perimeter wall collapsed, and structural cracks were visible in several sections.


A bridge also collapsed in the town of Sagaing, and multiple rural villages have been cut off. Organizations such as Amnesty International have called for immediate access for humanitarian aid teams, given the critical situation of more than three million people displaced by the ongoing internal conflict.

What is the Sagaing Fault?

The earthquake occurred along the Sagaing Fault, one of the most active in Asia, with a slip rate of approximately 18 millimeters per year. This constant tectonic pressure causes energy to be released every few years in the form of earthquakes, like the one on Friday.

In comparison, the 2023 earthquake in Turkey, which left over 50,000 dead, had a very similar estimate of shaking and losses. Myanmar’s quake reportedly exposed 5 million people to violent shaking (levels 8 and 9 on the intensity scale), while the Turkish quake affected 2.7 million.

When was the last major earthquake in Myanmar?

Before Friday’s quake, the last major earthquake recorded in Myanmar occurred in 1991 with a magnitude of 7.0. In 1988, a 7.7-magnitude earthquake occurred across the border in Chinese territory, killing 730 people. However, the March 28, 2025 quake is considered the strongest in modern times in the country, comparable only to the one in 1946.

What actions has the Thai government taken after the quake?

The Thai government responded quickly after the quake. In addition to declaring Bangkok an emergency zone, it closed schools, suspended activities in high-rise buildings, and urged the public to remain alert for possible aftershocks. By late Friday, the Prime Minister announced that it was safe to return home, though he recommended extra caution in buildings showing visible damage.

Seismic monitoring remains active throughout the Southeast Asian region, and damage reports are expected to be updated as communication is restored with the most affected areas, especially within Myanmar.

READ ALSO: What is a trepidatory earthquake? The National Seismological Service explains

With information from CNN and agencies

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Laura Islas

Laura Islas

SEO. Periodista. Le voy al Cruz Azul. Runner. Fotografía. Literatura, periodismo y gatos. Me gusta contar historias. No sé vivir sin un libro. [email protected] @ella_laquesefue

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