In brief
Rescue teams are racing against time in a desperate bid to save those trapped beneath the rubble of a collapsed high-rise in Bangkok, following a devastating earthquake in Myanmar that altered countless lives.
March 29, 2025, 6:06 a.m. ET – In the aftermath of a powerful earthquake that struck Myanmar, rescue operations in Bangkok have transitioned into a critical search for survivors buried beneath the rubble of a collapsed high-rise building. The construction site, located near Chatuchak Park, has claimed the lives of eight confirmed victims, but many more remain unaccounted for.As temperatures soared to a punishing 96 degrees Fahrenheit, rescue workers rallied to clear away debris using excavators and dump trucks, while spraying water to alleviate dust and improve conditions for searching. By Saturday morning, there was a glimmer of optimism as officials reported signs of life from at least 15 individuals trapped beneath more than ten feet of wreckage, as stated by Suriyachai Rawiwan, director of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.The building, a structure under construction, collapsed unexpectedly while housing over 320 workers. Among those desperately waiting for news at the site was Than Htike, 42, whose wife is still missing after being last seen on the sixth floor. "I only want my wife back," he stated, expressing the anguish echoed by many family members present at the scene. Another worker, Natthanan Kaewkaiyasit, clung to hope for her partner, Noy Thicha. "We have to hope for miracles. I will stay here, waiting," she remarked. Several eyewitnesses recounted the harrowing moments of the quake, describing the disorienting sway of the building before its tragic collapse.For many of these workers, the pursuit of better opportunities in Thailand led them to a site that has now turned into a tragic scene of loss, highlighting the economic struggles faced by migrant laborers from Myanmar. Rescue efforts continue as those affected hold tight to the hope of recovery.Muktita Suhartono reports on events in Thailand and Indonesia, bringing ongoing updates from the scene.
