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Emergency responders rushed to the scene of a building collapse in the Chatuchak district of Bangkok following a significant earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28, 2025. This seismic event not only caused tremors across the region but has also resulted in considerable structural damage within the Thai capital.
In the wake of the earthquake, Bangkok’s governor, Chadchart Sittipunt, proclaimed the city a “disaster area.” Initial reports indicate that at least three fatalities have been confirmed in Bangkok, with local media in Myanmar citing higher casualties and the declaration of a state of emergency in that country. One rescue worker mentioned to the BBC that there are fears that the death toll could reach into the hundreds.
Authorities in Bangkok are on high alert for potential aftershocks and are actively assessing the damage throughout the city. A statement from Bangkok City Hall indicated a comprehensive response is underway, emphasizing the need to monitor vulnerable areas and assist residents affected by the disaster.
In response to the emergency, the Stock Exchange of Thailand halted trading across all markets starting at 2:07 p.m. local time. Additionally, many major shopping centers in the city were closed for the day, and the BTS metro system ceased operations as a safety precaution.
Office buildings in the densely populated city were evacuated as workers experienced significant shaking. Finance professional Bell Satirapraparkul recounted to CNBC her experience during the earthquake, noting that she felt the tremors while dining at a restaurant in her office building in the Ratchayothin area. She and her colleagues were unable to return to collect their belongings until conditions improved the next day.
Images captured during the event showed tall buildings swaying dangerously, with water cascading from rooftop pools and items being dislodged from shelves.
In a corporate response, Nissan announced the suspension of its manufacturing operations in Thailand pending safety evaluations by local authorities. A spokesperson assured that employee safety is paramount and confirmed all Nissan staff in Thailand were accounted for and evacuated, with damage assessments of their facilities underway.
Meanwhile, hospitals in Bangkok reported no major disruptions and remained operational, indicating a robust healthcare response despite the chaotic situation.
The incident most impacted by the earthquake appears to be the collapse of a skyscraper that was still under construction, with reports indicating that many workers were present at the time. Emergency services have been actively rescuing the injured from the site, as depicted in various media outlets.
Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok’s primary airport, confirmed that operations remained normal as of 8:55 a.m. U.K. time (4:55 a.m. ET), with flights continuing to take off and land. CNBC is reaching out to major airlines for further operational updates in light of the earthquake.
The British Foreign Office issued a travel advisory, alerting travelers to the 7.7 magnitude earthquake and the subsequent damage reported in Bangkok. They recommended that individuals adhere to local guidance and stay informed through media outlets if they are in or planning to travel to the area.
This story is still developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.
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