Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was in the thick of things on Friday evening as she huddled with officials at the crumpled remains of a high-rise that came crashing down during construction in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district. Her conversation was somber, the surroundings chaotic, as captured in a photo shared by the Pheu Thai Party’s X account.
Meanwhile, a cloud of anxiety loomed over the nation after an earth-shaking event, literally, that originated in Myanmar. The tremor managed to rattle many parts of Thailand, including the bustling city of Bangkok. Even amidst the buzz of a tourism conference in Phuket, the Prime Minister’s priority shifted swiftly to address the unfolding crisis. It was after an emergency meeting there that she reached out to the public, urging them to stay composed and informed from genuine sources. She emphasized sticking to updates from agencies in the know to sidestep the pitfalls of hearsay and unnecessary dread.
The government’s official updates will roll through NBT, the state-run broadcaster, serving as a reliable beacon in these unsettling times. In an effort to manage the quake’s aftermath, Ms. Paetongtarn made her way back to Bangkok, poised to take charge of the government’s response to this natural disaster.
As it stands, a proper tally of the quake-induced destruction across northern, northeastern, and central parts of Thailand is still on the cards. However, the most glaring mishap to date is the collapse of the prospective State Audit Office building—a towering 30-storey structure. Alarming reports indicate that numerous workers might still be ensnared in the wreckage.
The seismic event struck with a startling 7.7 magnitude near Mandalay, Myanmar, at a seemingly ordinary 1:20 PM. This was merely the start. A series of at least six aftershocks followed two hours later, one of which was felt with a 3.3 magnitude in Pai district, Mae Hong Son province at 2:49 PM. The Meteorological Department pinpointed the quake’s core to be approximately 326 kilometers northwest of Pang Ma Pha district in Mae Hong Son—a considerable 1,100 kilometers away from Bangkok.
Although the indicators might suggest otherwise, no tsunami warning has been sounded, as the shaking Earth unleashed its wrath far from any maritime influence. Still, prudence is being exercised by authorities who are advising the public to be cautious about potential aftershocks. “Though these aftershocks might not pack a massive punch, they have the potential to cause damage,” Pichit Sombatmak of the Mineral Resources Department noted, wisely urging vigilance.
In the scenic confines of Phuket island, Governor Sophon Suvannarat issued a directive for officials to keenly observe the situation. His aim was to quell the mounting unease among both locals and the sea of tourists gracing the resort island.
It’s alarming how unprepared Bangkok is for such natural disasters. The collapse of a 30-storey building under construction is a major indictment on safety regulations.
Agreed, but let’s not forget that earthquakes are rare in Bangkok. The government should still do better with building standards.
That’s no excuse. Seismic safety should always be a priority.
True, it’s time for a major overhaul of construction policies here.
Why hasn’t there been a tsunami warning with such a big quake? Seems like the authorities are downplaying the risks.
They said it was far from the sea, but still, better safe than sorry. Authorities should stay transparent.
Exactly, it’s not about causing panic but ensuring the safety of people.
Really wish the government would focus more on public education about earthquakes. People should know how to protect themselves.
The government does aim to provide information, but they can definitely expand their efforts.
The way the media sensationalizes these events doesn’t help with public anxiety either. We need factual reporting.
Sensationalism sells, unfortunately. But you’re right, facts over hype should be the norm.
News outlets should be held accountable if they spread panic.
I wonder how these disasters will affect tourism. Thailand just can’t catch a break.
Tourists will keep coming back once they feel safe, but it might take some time.
Indeed, hopefully things stabilize soon.
It’s good to see the Prime Minister actively addressing the situation. Leadership is crucial in times like these.
Sure, but action speaks louder than words. Let’s hope measures follow the speeches.
Earthquakes in Southeast Asia aren’t uncommon, but it’s the response that matters. Time for a regional safety collaboration.
I was in Phuket when the quake hit. Freaky feeling for sure. The local response seems pretty organized though.
Natural disasters highlight weaknesses in infrastructure and highlight the need for global cooperation.
I’m more worried about the aftershocks. A 7.7 magnitude is no joke, and we need to be ready for more.
Agreed, people tend to underestimate aftershocks, but they can be disastrous.
Let’s hope everyone takes the warnings seriously.
If we had better urban planning and stricter regulations, perhaps the building wouldn’t have collapsed. Greed overshadows safety sometimes.
I feel for the workers trapped in the rubble. Hope they get them out soon!
The psychological impact on the affected communities should not be ignored. It’s not just about physical safety.
Hopefully, this tragedy pushes Thailand towards adopting more environmentally resilient infrastructural methods.
Has there been any international aid offered yet? It’s times like these the global community should step in.