YANGON/BANGKOK – On the morning of Thursday, August 21, a 5.4-magnitude earthquake struck off the southern coast of Myanmar. The Earthquake Observation Division of Thailand’s Meteorological Department logged the quake at 9:58 a.m. local time, pinpointing its epicenter at 16.145° N, 96.686° E, about 10 km deep, located approximately 211 km southwest of Mae Sot in Tak province.

Although no damage or injuries have been reported, tremors were widely felt across numerous parts of Bangkok.

Felt Across the Capital

Residents and workers across Bangkok reported noticeable shaking in offices, high-rises, and hotels:

• Din Daeng district: Workers at the Ministry of Labour evacuated after strong shaking.
• Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana district: Mild tremors lasted about 10 seconds.
• Ratchathewi (Banthat Thong Road): Office employees felt buildings sway.
• Nonthaburi, Bang Krasor: Ninth-floor occupants in high-rises reported dizziness and motion.
• Bang Rak, Si Lom: Residents noticed buildings and household items shaking briefly, some felt dizzy.
• Phaya Thai, Sam Sen Nai: Residents on the 11th floor felt tremors and swinging ceiling lamps.
• Khlong Toei district: Water in containers rippled slightly on the 12th floor of a condominium.
• Khlong San, Khlong Ton Sai: On the 18th floor, residents heard creaking and saw kitchen lights sway.
• Ratchathewi, Thung Phaya Thai: Reports of dizziness, feeling tremors, and hanging lights swinging.

No immediate threat

Thai authorities urged caution but reassured the public that the event posed no immediate threat. This shallow, moderate earthquake nonetheless triggered real responses—especially in tall buildings, highlighting Bangkok’s vulnerability to distant temblors.

This quake adds to the region’s heightened seismic activity, including a March 2025 6.4-magnitude quake in Northern Thailand’s Nan province, which caused damage to temples and homes without fatalities.

Preparedness & Resilience 

This earthquake serves as a reminder of the importance of:

• Robust building codes, especially for high-rise and critical infrastructure.
• Public awareness and preparedness, as visible tremors can cause panic—even when no damage occurs.
• Monitoring and early-warning systems, as shallow quakes, even of moderate strength, can transmit significant shaking across borders.

Authorities are encouraged to reinforce earthquake readiness, workplace safety protocols, and community resilience measures.

Summary

This event underscores the need for continued vigilance in earthquake-prone Southeast Asia—even when events don’t escalate into disasters. (zai)

Map: USGS