Bangkok: Academics point to four reasons why tall buildings in Bangkok shook from the Myanmar earthquake. Academics point out that because Bangkok is situated on soft soil, tall buildings swayed from the earthquake in Myanmar, but confirm that it did not affect the structural integrity of existing buildings.
According to Thai News Agency, following the 5.3 magnitude earthquake off the southern coast of Myanmar, near Yangon, which affected Bangkok, Professor Dr. Amorn Pimanamas, President of the Structural Engineers Association of Thailand and a professor at the Faculty of Engineering, Kasetsart University, explained four key aspects of the earthquake's characteristics.
Firstly, it's a moderate earthquake, as its magnitude is 5.3, which is below 6. Secondly, it was a shallow earthquake, occurring at a depth of approximately 10 km, less than 60 km below the surface. Furthermore, it was a distant earthquake, located approximately 530 kilometers from Bangkok. Lastly, the earthquake occurred along the Sagaing Fault, which is a very active fault.
Professor Dr. Amorn explained that the earthquake could normally cause tall buildings in Bangkok to shake because Bangkok is situated on soft soil, which can amplify earthquake waves many times over. Therefore, residents in tall buildings would feel the tremors. However, because it was a moderate-level earthquake and relatively far away, it would not significantly affect the building structures.
However, the current situation still requires continued monitoring for earthquakes, as the Sagaing Fault is a fault line 1,200-1,400 km long. It's noteworthy that in March 2025, a magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Mandalay, a large earthquake located over 1,000 km from Bangkok. Despite its size, it caused severe shaking in high-rise buildings in Bangkok, damaging hundreds and causing the collapse of a building under construction belonging to the Office of the Auditor General. Therefore, the Sagaing Fault is a significant fault that cannot be underestimated. Furthermore, today's earthquake occurred in the lower reaches of the fault, and although of moderate magnitude, it occurred closer than the Mandalay earthquake. Therefore, relevant agencies and the public should prepare for potential earthquakes, as they are unpredictable.