BANGKOK, August 21 — A quiet Tuesday morning took an unexpected turn for many Bangkok residents as tremors were felt across parts of the capital following a 5.4-magnitude earthquake that struck off the southern coast of Myanmar.
According to Thailand’s Meteorological Department’s Earthquake Observation Division, the quake occurred at 9:58 a.m., originating about 211 kilometers southwest of Mae Sot district in Tak province, at a depth of 10 kilometers. Though the epicenter was far from Bangkok, its ripple was enough to be noticed — especially by those in high-rise buildings.
Many people took to social media and local news platforms like Khaosod and The Nation to describe the moment buildings gently swayed. Office workers in some parts of the city briefly evacuated buildings as a precaution, though there was no panic reported.
Thankfully, no injuries or structural damage have been reported in Thailand as of now. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.
This event comes just a few months after a stronger 6.4-magnitude quake hit Thailand’s northern Nan province in March. That earthquake left a trail of damaged homes and historic temples, though miraculously, there were no casualties.
For many in Bangkok, today’s incident serves as a subtle reminder that while the ground beneath our feet feels solid, nature can still surprise us at any moment. Stay safe, stay informed, and be prepared.
