A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Bangkok, collapsing buildings, injuring residents, and forcing mass evacuations as rescue teams race to respond amid widespread panic and structural devastation.

In a terrifying moment that shook Thailand’s capital to its core, a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Bangkok, causing widespread panic, catastrophic damage, and scenes of chaos across the city.

The quake, which hit without warning in the early hours, brought high-rise buildings swaying, hotels evacuating, and at least one major apartment block collapsing into rubble.

The tremors were felt far beyond the city center, jolting residents awake and sending tourists scrambling out of hotels in pajamas and bare feet. Streets were flooded with people as aftershocks rippled through the city, leaving many terrified to return indoors.

The epicenter of the quake was located just outside Bangkok, at a depth shallow enough to cause serious surface-level damage. According to preliminary reports, the hardest-hit areas included several residential zones where older apartment complexes—many not built to modern earthquake standards—suffered structural failure.

One such building, located in the Lat Phrao district, crumbled entirely, trapping residents inside and prompting a massive emergency response.

Search and rescue teams worked through the night, pulling survivors from the wreckage and setting up makeshift medical tents in parking lots. Drones were deployed to assess damage to infrastructure, while helicopters hovered above collapsed sites to assist in spotting trapped victims.

Local hospitals have reported a steady flow of injured, ranging from minor cuts to severe crush injuries. Emergency shelters have been set up in parks and stadiums, where thousands of people are now seeking refuge. As of early reports, at least dozens are feared dead, with numbers expected to rise as rescue operations continue.

The quake has also had a significant impact on the city’s tourism sector. Bangkok, known for its vibrant nightlife and bustling tourism scene, was full of international visitors when the tremors struck. Several luxury hotels were evacuated, and damage to internal structures has led to closures across the central tourist district.

One tourist from Australia described the moment it hit: “The entire building was swaying side to side. Alarms were going off. People were screaming and running down stairwells. We didn’t know if it was going to stop.”

Bangkok’s iconic skyline also took a hit. Several commercial high-rises, including office towers and residential condominiums, sustained visible cracks and shattered windows. Though many of these structures were built with earthquake resistance in mind, the force of this particular tremor exceeded what most engineers had anticipated for the region.

Thailand is not typically associated with large earthquakes, which only added to the shock and confusion. While tremors are occasionally felt in the northern provinces near the border with Myanmar and Laos, Bangkok itself is considered a low-risk seismic zone. Experts now say that this quake may have been caused by movement along a lesser-known fault line previously considered inactive.

The government has declared a state of emergency and has mobilized the military to assist with rescue and recovery. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin addressed the nation early this morning, urging calm and unity. “This is a tragedy unlike anything we’ve experienced,” he said. “But we will respond with strength, compassion, and urgency.”

International aid offers have already begun to arrive, with neighboring countries and NGOs offering support, supplies, and expertise. The United Nations has also expressed readiness to provide emergency relief if requested.

Airports in Bangkok were temporarily shut down following the quake but have since reopened with limited operations. Several flights have been delayed or rerouted due to concerns over runway integrity and infrastructure checks. Railway lines have also been disrupted, and public transportation systems are operating on reduced schedules.

Experts warn that aftershocks are likely in the coming days and could potentially cause further damage. Citizens have been urged to avoid damaged buildings, stay in open areas, and follow updates from official emergency services.

In the aftermath, social media has been flooded with photos and videos showing the terrifying moments: chandeliers swaying violently, glass storefronts shattering, and crowds gathered in the streets in stunned silence. One clip, which quickly went viral, showed the moment a hotel lobby’s ceiling collapsed just seconds after guests had fled the area.

The long-term impact of the quake is still unfolding. Beyond the immediate destruction, questions are already being raised about building standards, emergency preparedness, and the city’s ability to respond to a natural disaster of this magnitude.

For now, Bangkok is a city in shock—but also in motion. Rescue teams continue their tireless work, volunteers are delivering food and water, and people are offering shelter to strangers. Amid the devastation, there are glimpses of resilience.

But as Thailand wakes up to the full extent of the damage, one thing is certain: the 7.7 earthquake has forever changed the face of its capital.