Bangkok Shaken by 5.4 Earthquake Off Myanmar Coast

A Sudden Tremor from the Andaman Sea: What Happened?

On August 21, 2025, at exactly 9:58 am, a 5.4-magnitude earthquake struck off the southern coast of Myanmar, sending tremors across parts of Thailand, including Bangkok. According to the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD), the epicenter was located about 10 km underground in the Andaman Sea, approximately 211 km southwest of Mae Sot in Tak province.

Although no significant damage was reported, the quake was felt by people in high-rise buildings in the capital city, causing brief moments of unease, confusion, and in some cases, evacuation.

Information at a Glance: Earthquake Data 

Bangkok Reacts: How the City Felt the Quake

While the earthquake did not cause any physical destruction, it was noticeable across numerous Bangkok districts — especially in high-rise buildings. Residents and office workers in towers across Watthana, Ratchathewi, Phaya Thai, Bang Rak, Din Daeng, and other districts described:

• Lights swinging

• Dizziness

• Building creaks

• Slight swaying of floors

On the 11th floor of Prime Building in Klong Toey Nuea, for example, tremors were strong enough for occupants to pause work and momentarily evacuate.

Expert Analysis: Why There’s No Need for Panic

According to Dr. Santi Pailoplee, a geology professor from Chulalongkorn University, the earthquake is part of routine tectonic movement along the Sagaing Fault, which is well-known for seismic activity. He noted that:

“This was not a signal of a larger upcoming disaster, but a typical fault movement releasing built-up stress.”

Additionally, Pichit Sombatmak, Director-General of the Department of Mineral Resources, clarified that:

• The movement was horizontal (strike-slip), not vertical, which means no tsunami was triggered.

• Aftershocks could occur, but are expected to be weaker.

• Properly built structures in Bangkok are designed to withstand minor tremors.

Breaking It Down: What You Should Know

Here’s a simplified list of the event’s takeaways:

1. When? – August 21, 2025, 9:58 AM

2. Where? – Andaman Sea, off southern Myanmar

3. Strength? – 5.4 magnitude

4. Depth? – 10 km below the surface

5. Impact in Bangkok?

   • Light shaking in high-rises

   • No damage or injuries

   • Some evacuations from tall buildings

6. Tsunami risk? – None

7. What to expect next?

   • Small aftershocks possible

   • No major follow-up events anticipated

Moving Forward: Preparedness, Not Fear

This event serves as a reminder of the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity, even when epicenters are far from urban areas. Bangkok, while not sitting on a major fault line, is close enough to active zones in Myanmar, northern Thailand, and the Indian plate to experience occasional tremors.

Authorities recommend:

• Staying calm during future minor tremors

• Knowing the building evacuation plans

• Avoiding elevators during seismic activity

• Monitoring updates from official sources like the TMD

Final Thoughts: A Wake-Up Call Without the Crisis

Today’s 5.4-magnitude earthquake off Myanmar was a non-destructive but highly felt event in Bangkok. It emphasized the importance of:

• Urban readiness

• Building safety standards

• Public communication

• And the vital role of scientific explanation in preventing panic

Thanks to swift communication by authorities and geologists, the city responded with composure. While the tremor came and went in under 10 seconds, it left behind a renewed sense of awareness — a reminder that earthquakes don’t always bring destruction, but they do bring lessons.