Bangkok’s safety has been recently questioned due to structural risks revealed by an earthquake on March 28, 2025, which caused 159 reports of cracked buildings and one skyscraper under construction to collapse, killing at least three people and leaving 81 missing. Despite these incidents, major airports have resumed normal operations, and urban rail and metro systems are expected to resume services soon.
Key Points
- A 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar has resulted in deaths, injuries, and significant damage in Bangkok and other provinces in Thailand.
- Aftershocks from the earthquake are expected to continue in Thailand for one to two weeks, although they should decrease in intensity over time.
- Structural assessments of tall buildings are necessary to ensure safety and identify any potential damage caused by the earthquake.
The Prime Minister of Thailand, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has issued a nationwide alert following an earthquake, warning of potential aftershocks within the next 24 hours. She has ordered a coordinated response from all government ministries and has instructed the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society to send SMS alerts with safety guidelines to the public. Public service announcements are also being broadcast across all media platforms.
| Aspect | Details |
| Recent Earthquake | 159 reports of cracked buildings, collapse of a skyscraper under construction, 3 deaths, 81 missing. |
| Structural Risks | Vulnerabilities in pre-2007 buildings, potential long-term structural fatigue in high-rise hotels. |
| Tourism Impact | TAT continues to promote Bangkok without seismic safety disclosures, placing visitors at risk. |
| Transportation Safety | Major airports resumed operations, BTS Skytrain and MRT subway safety under assessment. |
| General Safety | Low risk of violent crimes, common petty crimes like pickpocketing and scams. |
| Safety Tips | Use Grab app for taxis, get tuk-tuk price quotes, be vigilant in crowded areas, avoid large cash denominations. |
| Government Response | Updated travel advisories, state of emergency declared in Thailand and Myanmar. |
Aftershocks from the major quake could continue for one to two weeks
A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, causing damage and casualties in Thailand, particularly in Bangkok. The quake resulted in 10 deaths, 16 injuries, and 101 missing persons in the Thai capital, including the collapse of a 30-storey government building. The tremors were felt across Thailand, China, and Vietnam. Two additional earthquakes were detected in Mae Hong Son, Thailand, on Saturday.
Expert Prof Dr Pennung Warnitchai warned that aftershocks from the major quake could continue for one to two weeks, urging people to be cautious and emphasizing the need for structural assessments of tall buildings. The earthquake originated along the Sagaing Fault in Myanmar, between the Indian and Sunda plates.
