Thailand Suspends Airport Operations Following Strong Earthquake in Myanmar

A powerful earthquake in Myanmar has triggered significant repercussions in neighboring Thailand, leading authorities to temporarily suspend airport operations due to safety concerns. The initial tremor, recorded at a magnitude of 7.7 on the Richter scale, hit central Myanmar at approximately 1:20 PM GMT on March 28 2025. The epicenter was located 16 kilometers northwest of Sagaing, near Mandalay, at a shallow depth of just 10 kilometers, heightening the intensity of the seismic activity. A secondary tremor measuring 6.4 followed just six minutes later, further exacerbating the situation. Reports indicate that the tremors were felt as far away as Yunnan Province in China, where residents experienced ground vibrations, according to the Xinhua news agency and the China Earthquake Networks Center.

In Thailand, the aftershocks were particularly pronounced in Bangkok, approximately 900 kilometers from the epicenter. Buildings swayed, water surged out of swimming pools on upper floors of skyscrapers, and thousands of residents fled into the streets in a state of panic. In response to the unfolding crisis, authorities ordered the closure of airports, including the major international hub of Suvarnabhumi, while runways and terminals were inspected for damage. This decision came after air traffic controllers reported seismic vibrations and social media footage revealed cracks in some infrastructure. Thailand’s Prime Minister cut short a trip to southern Thailand to convene an emergency meeting aimed at coordinating the response.

The earthquake has disrupted transportation links throughout the region, significantly affecting Bangkok, a key air travel hub in Southeast Asia. The capital has also suspended certain metro and light rail services to safeguard passengers. Meanwhile, in Myanmar, where communication is hampered by ongoing civil conflict, initial reports indicate widespread destruction. Roads and buildings in Naypyitaw have sustained damage, and witnesses report the collapse of religious structures in the Mandalay area. While there are currently no confirmed casualties, experts fear that the impact could be severe in rural areas near the epicenter.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has linked the earthquake to activity along the Sagaing Fault, which traverses central Myanmar from north to south. This fault has been responsible for several significant tremors in the past, with six earthquakes exceeding a magnitude of 7.0 recorded since 1930. The most recent major event occurred in 2016 in Bagan, resulting in three fatalities and damage to historic temples. Experts noted that this earthquake is the most powerful recorded globally since 2023, underscoring its extraordinary nature. In Bangkok, home to over 17 million residents, such seismic events are rare, contributing to the widespread panic among the population.