Delhi Passengers Return Safely After Bangkok Earthquake As Indian Tourists Describe Hours Of Panic, Collapsed Buildings, And Emergency Evacuations

Published on March 30, 2025

A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake that originated in Myanmar sent tremors across Southeast Asia, with Bangkok among the hardest-hit cities outside the epicenter. As panic spread through Thailand’s capital, Indian tourists found themselves caught in a wave of chaos—stranded in high-rise hotels, evacuated from markets, and struggling to find transport amid emergency shutdowns. Now safely back in Delhi, these travelers have shared chilling accounts of collapsing buildings, paralyzed infrastructure, and the fear that gripped the city as the ground shook beneath them.

A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake that originated in Myanmar’s Mandalay region sent shockwaves across Southeast Asia, shaking cities as far as Thailand, China, and Vietnam. Bangkok, though not at the epicenter, felt the tremors with alarming intensity, leaving tourists and residents scrambling for safety. Among those caught in the chaos were Indian travelers, many of whom have now returned home, sharing a stark picture of what they endured during and after the quake.

The seismic jolt brought Bangkok to an abrupt halt. Businesses shuttered, shopping districts emptied, and transport systems were thrown into turmoil. With roads choked and emergency protocols in place, many visitors were left in limbo, unable to find transportation or reach the airport in time for their scheduled departures.

In the city’s vertical skyline, panic erupted as high-rise hotels and towers swayed under the force of the quake. Tourists on upper floors rushed out of buildings, waiting in the open for hours amid fears of aftershocks and structural instability. Emergency response teams issued evacuation orders across several locations, causing scenes of confusion and urgency throughout the capital.

Bangkok’s normally vibrant markets were also thrown into disarray. In the Chinatown district, known for its maze of narrow shopping lanes, chaos unfolded as the ground began to shake. Crowds of locals and tourists surged toward the exits, navigating tight passageways in a desperate bid to escape. While no physical damage was reported in the area, the psychological impact was immediate and intense.

The most severe incident occurred near the sprawling Chatuchak Market, where a 30-storey government building under construction collapsed in the aftermath of the tremors. This collapse was one of three serious incidents across Bangkok’s construction zones. Authorities have confirmed that at least ten people lost their lives, with sixteen others injured and over 100 missing—most of them workers present at the sites during the quake.

City officials, including Bangkok’s deputy governor, described the situation as one of the most devastating infrastructure failures in recent memory. Emergency crews continue to comb through the rubble, hoping to find survivors trapped beneath the debris.

Though the quake’s epicenter lay deep in Myanmar, the sheer scale of the event left cities far beyond its borders shaken. Bangkok’s vulnerability—especially in its high-density urban areas—was laid bare. Questions are now being raised about the integrity of construction practices, the effectiveness of emergency systems, and the city’s readiness for seismic events of this magnitude.

Indian authorities worked quickly to support affected nationals. Embassy officials in Bangkok coordinated with airlines and local agencies to facilitate safe passage for those looking to return home. Emergency hotlines were activated and logistics arranged to bypass the transport bottlenecks gripping the city.

Delhi-bound Indian tourists who were caught in the chaos of the 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Bangkok have returned home safely, recounting scenes of panic, collapsed buildings, and citywide disruption. The powerful quake, which originated in Myanmar, sent shockwaves across Southeast Asia, bringing Bangkok to a standstill.

The Indian tourists who returned over the weekend expressed relief but also concern. The experience exposed how rapidly a tourist-friendly metropolis could descend into chaos when struck by an unexpected disaster.

As Bangkok begins its recovery, the aftermath of the quake is expected to prompt widespread reviews of building safety codes, construction oversight, and emergency preparedness. For travelers and residents alike, the incident serves as a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the critical need for resilient urban planning in vulnerable regions.