BANGKOK, Thailand – A magnitude 5.3 earthquake struck off the southern coast of Myanmar on Monday morning, May 18, with tremors felt across Bangkok, prompting the evacuation of at least one government building. The earthquake occurred at 9:05 a.m. local time, centered off the coast of the Irrawaddy Delta near Yangon, at a depth of approximately 10 kilometers. The epicenter was located about 247 kilometers southwest of Mae Sot district in Thailand’s Tak province.
Thailand’s Meteorological Department stated the earthquake would have no direct impact on the country. However, tremors caused high-rise buildings to sway and hanging objects to swing, causing alarm among residents and workers in elevated structures across Bangkok and its periphery.
At the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) headquarters, the shaking was felt strongly enough to trigger alarms, leading to an immediate evacuation of all personnel to designated safety assembly points outside. Building staff were later deployed to inspect the structure and internal systems for damage.
Experts explained that while the epicenter was far from Thailand, Bangkok’s geological foundation consists of soft clay, which amplifies seismic waves. This characteristic causes occupants on upper floors of high-rise buildings in the capital to feel vibrations more intensely than usual.
There were no immediate reports of injuries or serious structural damage. Authorities have advised residents in high-rise buildings to remain vigilant and monitor updates closely. (TNA)
