Bangkok Faces Widespread Transport and Business Shutdowns, Traffic Chaos, Following Powerful Earthquake in Myanmar

Friday, 28 March 2025, 19:43

Bangkok, March 28, 2025 – Bangkok is grappling with many disruptions tonight after a powerful earthquake struck Myanmar this afternoon and impacted Thailand as we reported here, prompting a state of emergency and widespread closures across the city. As of 7:03 PM local time, residents and authorities are working to navigate the aftermath of the tremor, which has brought public life to a near standstill.

The earthquake, felt strongly across the region, led to the immediate suspension of Bangkok’s key public transportation systems. The Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS), Metropolitan Rapid Transit (MRT), and Airport Rail Link were shut down for safety inspections, leaving commuters stranded. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra addressed the nation earlier today, announcing that these services are expected to resume operations on Saturday, March 29, 2025, pending thorough safety checks. To ease the strain on affected residents, additional bus services have been deployed, though heavy traffic continues to clog the city’s streets. She has also made an emergency return to Bangkok from a previously scheduled visit to Phuket. Airports are operating normally.

Road networks have also been severely impacted, with main roads and expressways closed for damage assessments. Traffic came to a halt this afternoon, and congestion persists into the evening, complicating efforts for many to return home. In response, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt ordered public parks to remain open overnight, providing drinking water and mobile restrooms as temporary relief for those unable to reach their destinations.

A state of emergency has been declared, and access to buildings remains restricted in many areas. Condominiums, hotels, and shopping malls were initially off-limits as structural safety evaluations were conducted. However, in a recent update, the Prime Minister assured residents that those living in condos can now return home, signaling progress in initial safety assessments. Despite this, most businesses and public facilities in the city center remain closed tonight as a precautionary measure.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn sought to calm public concerns, stating that the damage appears limited overall across Bangkok, with the unfortunate major exception of a collapsed under construction skyscraper where dozens of construction workers remain trapped or missing, and that aftershocks are expected to weaken. Authorities have also confirmed there is no risk of a tsunami. Bangkok has been officially designated a disaster area, enabling a coordinated emergency response to prioritize public safety and infrastructure recovery.

As the city braces for a challenging night, the focus remains on restoring normalcy. Transportation and access to key areas are expected to remain restricted until at least tomorrow morning, with officials urging patience and caution.

Meanwhile, information out of Myanmar, the epicenter of the earthquake, is limited but here is what we know so far.
This article originally appeared on our sister website The Pattaya News.