Bangkok, March 29, 2025 – In the wake of a major earthquake in Myanmar that rattled Bangkok yesterday, Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has ordered immediate inspections of buildings showing signs of structural damage, particularly those with visible cracks. The tremor, which struck on March 28, 2025, around 1:20 PM caused widespread concern among residents and prompted authorities to assess the city’s infrastructure for safety risks.
Several older buildings in densely populated districts such as Phra Nakhon, Bang Rak, and Dusit exhibited cracks in walls, ceilings, and foundations. Social media posts from residents showcased images of damaged facades and fallen debris.
Speaking at a press conference this morning, Governor Chadchart emphasized the need for vigilance. “The safety of our citizens is the top priority. We cannot take risks with buildings that may have been weakened. I’ve instructed district officials and engineering teams to conduct thorough inspections starting today,” he said. The governor added that the city would collaborate with structural engineers and the Department of Public Works to evaluate the extent of the damage.
Preliminary reports suggest that at least 30 buildings, including residential complexes, commercial properties, and a handful of heritage structures, have been flagged for urgent review. In some areas, residents have been temporarily evacuated pending the results of these assessments. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has also set up a hotline for citizens to report visible damage to their homes or workplaces and the mobile application Traffy Fondue can also be used. Hundreds of residents stayed in Bangkok city parks overnight, currently open 24/7, due to concerns of returning to their buildings.
Local business owner Somsak Chaiyaporn, whose decades-old shophouse in Chinatown sustained visible cracks, expressed frustration. “This building has been here for 60 years, but no one ever checked if it could handle a quake. Now we’re waiting to see if it’s safe to go back,” he said.
The inspections are expected to continue over the next several days, with the BMA promising to release a detailed report on the findings. Governor Chadchart urged residents to remain calm but cautious, advising them to avoid entering any structure that appears compromised until cleared by officials.
