Bangkok was thrown into chaos when a sudden earthquake struck, leaving residents confused and frightened. There was no warning, and the tremors caught everyone off guard.
In the heart of the city, familiar sights turned alarming. Water poured down high-rise buildings, walkways connecting luxury apartments were damaged, and crowds of anxious people gathered outside offices. The skytrain, a crucial mode of transport for millions in Thailand’s capital, was shut down, paralyzing movement across the city.
The earthquake, which had its epicenter in Myanmar, resulted in significant damage. Reports indicated that at least 144 people died in Myanmar, with fears rising that around 100 individuals were missing after a skyscraper collapsed in Bangkok.
As the situation unfolded, a producer and I had to share a motorbike to reach the site of the worst destruction. The streets were packed, and it took us a long time to get through the gridlock. When we arrived, the scene was devastating. Rescue workers were sifting through rubble, and many onlookers were visibly shaken.
We learned that approximately 90 construction workers were still trapped inside the collapsed building. A rescuer mentioned he had heard voices from beneath the debris and remained hopeful that some might be saved. However, he also acknowledged the challenges they faced as dust filled the air and darkness began to settle.
Many of those trapped were reportedly Cambodian workers nearing the end of their project. As rescue operations continued, questions arose about the lack of a warning system. I approached Thailand’s Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, to ask why no alerts were issued, especially after the country had experienced a devastating earthquake two decades ago. She did not provide an answer, but the absence of timely alerts left many residents feeling vulnerable and anxious.
As night fell, concerns about aftershocks grew. The government promised to implement better warning systems in the future, but for now, the fear lingered among the city’s 17 million residents. The skyline, once a symbol of progress, now felt like a reminder of the risks they face in such a densely populated area.
