A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck near Sagaing, Myanmar, at 1:20 PM local time, sending strong tremors across the region and causing the collapse of a 30-storey government building under construction in Bangkok.
The structure, intended to house the new State Audit Office headquarters, was in its final stages of development in the Chatuchak district, close to MRT Kamphaeng Phet and Bang Sue Grand Station, opposite JJ Mall.
The project had an allocated budget of 2.136 billion baht.
Initial reports indicated that only seven workers managed to escape immediately, while 43 were initially believed to be trapped.
However, as search and rescue operations intensify, authorities now estimate that more than 80 people remain buried beneath the debris.
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Emergency response teams, including the Narenthorn Medical Centre, are actively working to locate and extract survivors.
Tragically, two foreign nationals have been confirmed dead. One body has been recovered, while efforts are underway to retrieve the second.
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has arrived at the disaster site, where officials are considering declaring a state of emergency.
The government is mobilising military forces for clearance operations and has preemptively ordered nationwide school closures as a safety measure.
Rescue efforts remain ongoing, with further updates expected as the situation develops.
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