Thailand Declares Emergency After 7.7 Quake

Thailand has declared a state of emergency in Bangkok following a powerful earthquake that struck the city, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced on Friday.

The quake, which had a magnitude of 7.7, originated in Myanmar but caused significant damage across the Thai capital.

The earthquake left several buildings across Bangkok damaged, with emergency responders reporting the collapse of a high-rise under construction.

According to police and rescue teams cited by AFP, 43 workers remain trapped under the rubble. The structure, located in northern Bangkok, crumbled within seconds of the tremors.

Authorities are currently conducting search and rescue operations to locate and assist those trapped. 

Meanwhile, officials have urged residents to remain cautious as aftershocks could further destabilize structures already weakened by the quake.

The tremors were felt beyond Thailand, affecting neighboring countries in Southeast Asia. Given the scale of destruction, the government has mobilized emergency services, engineers, and first responders to assess the damage and provide immediate aid.