Myanmar – A 5.4 magnitude earthquake struck the southern coast of Myanmar early Sunday morning. It was felt in several areas of the Thai capital, Bangkok.
The Thai Meteorological Department said the earthquake struck at 9:58 a.m. Its epicenter was 10 kilometers below the surface, 211 kilometers southwest of Mae Sot in Tak province, northern Thailand, in the Andaman Sea.
The deputy director-general of the earthquake department, Nattawut Dandi, explained that the earthquake was caused by a slip along the Sagaing Fault, which runs north to south through central Myanmar. This is the same fault line that caused a powerful earthquake on March 28, resulting in damage and fatalities in Thailand and Myanmar.
Bangkok residents reported feeling dizzy and experiencing swaying lights, particularly in buildings taller than ten stories. Reports from several areas, including Ratchathewi, Pathum Wan, Bang Kai, Huai Khwang, Phaya Thai, Bang Rak, and Khlong San, indicated that the tremors lasted approximately 10 seconds.
Professor Santi Bailopli, a geology professor at Chulalongkorn University, said the earthquake was not dangerous and advised people not to panic. He explained that fault activity is normal and that tremors are expected in Thailand because the country lies on a major seismic fault line.
The president of the Thai Association of Structural Engineers, Amorn Pemanmas, confirmed that the earthquake was much less severe than the one in March. However, its proximity to Bangkok could affect high-rise buildings. He noted that Bangkok’s soft clay layer might amplify the tremors, but so far, no structures have been affected.
