Earthquake Rocks Coast Near Sumatra as Myanmar Experiences Persistent Seismic Activity
Earthquake in Myanmar and Aftershocks Pose Slight Risk to Thailand
An earthquake of magnitude 5.8 struck off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, at 2:52 AM local time on May 23. The event occurred at a depth of 55 kilometers, approximately 1,986 kilometers from Bangkok, Thailand. Authorities in Thailand have confirmed that the powerful tremor does not pose a threat to the country.
Myanmar, however, has been experiencing a series of smaller earthquakes over the past 24 hours. The majority of these events have occurred at shallow epicenters, which can produce more noticeable shaking in the immediate vicinity. According to data from the Meteorological Department, several tremors were recorded in Myanmar on May 23:
- Magnitude 3.6 at 21.671°N, 96.079°E, 10 km deep, approximately 329 kilometers northwest of Pang Mapha District, Mae Hong Son Province, Thailand.
- Magnitude 3.5 at 21.826°N, 96.643°E, 10 km deep.
- Magnitude 1.7 at 20.083°N, 97.819°E, 10 km deep.
- Magnitude 1.7 at 19.039°N, 97.694°E, 1 km deep.
- Magnitude 2.4 at 19.026°N, 97.701°E, 8 km deep.
- Magnitude 1.9 at 18.899°N, 96.626°E, 10 km deep.
- Magnitude 2.2 at 18.307°N, 96.638°E, 10 km deep.
- Magnitude 1.6 at 19.552°N, 97.782°E, 10 km deep.
Earthquakes of this scale do not typically cause severe damage to buildings or infrastructure. Residents in nearby regions of Myanmar and border areas of Thailand are advised to remain informed by official agencies and stay prepared for any unforeseen circumstances.
It is crucial to note that Myanmar experienced a powerful earthquake on March 28, 2025, with a magnitude of about 7.7 to 7.9, which caused extensive damage within Myanmar and significant damage in neighboring Thailand. Hundreds of homes were damaged in Thailand, with 103 fatalities reported, largely due to a collapsed construction site in Bangkok where shallow geology amplified the seismic waves. This event remains the most powerful and deadliest to hit Myanmar since 1912 and had notable cross-border impacts.
Since that major quake, more than 160 aftershocks have been recorded in Myanmar, indicating ongoing seismic instability in the region. Given Thailand's proximity to Myanmar and the geology of certain regions, such as Bangkok, there remains an increased risk for Thailand due to the regional seismic activity from Myanmar's recent earthquakes and aftershocks. However, no recent intensification or forecast indicating an imminent major quake directly threatening Thailand has been reported in the provided reports.
- TAGS
- earthquake
- Thailand
- Myanmar
- Sumatra
- Meteorological Department
The escalating seismic activity in Myanmar, with more than 160 aftershocks since the major quake in 2025, raises international concern for general-news audiences, particularly considering the nearby regions of Thailand and the shallow geology in certain areas, such as Bangkok. Consequently, it is advisable for residents in these regions to remain updated on weather reports and official announcements concerning the stability of the infrastructure and any potential risks posed by the ongoing seismic activity.
