A City Caught Off Guard
On March 28, 2025, I experienced something I never expected in Bangkok—a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake. The tremors originated near Mandalay, Myanmar, more than 300 kilometers away, but they shook the city violently. Having lived here for nearly two decades, I never thought I would face such a disaster in my second home.
A Normal Day Turned to Chaos
It was just another school day, and I was administering a test to my primary students when the ground beneath us began to tremble. At first, I thought I was just dizzy from fatigue, but when I looked up and saw the ceiling swaying, I knew it was real. Panic spread among my students, and I had to push aside my own fear to keep them calm.
As the shaking intensified, memories of the 1990 Baguio earthquake flooded my mind. But this time, I wasn’t just a bystander—I was responsible for my students’ safety. I quickly led them out of the classroom, hoping the school building would hold.
The Aftermath: A City in Shock
Once outside, I began to grasp the magnitude of the disaster. News spread quickly—a massive building had collapsed in Chatuchak, an under-construction skyscraper reduced to rubble. At least 21 people had died, with many others injured or missing. Nearby condominiums suffered heavy structural damage, and some were deemed uninhabitable.
Beyond Bangkok, Myanmar faced even greater devastation. In Mandalay, buildings crumbled, entire neighborhoods were destroyed, and over 2,700 people had been confirmed dead—a number that continued to rise as rescue efforts pressed on.
A Personal Reflection on Resilience
This earthquake shattered my belief that Bangkok was safe from such disasters. Natural calamities know no borders, and life can change in an instant.
Yet, amid the destruction, I witnessed resilience. Strangers helped one another, messages of concern flooded my phone from family and friends, and despite the fear, the city stood strong.
My heart aches for those who lost everything—their loved ones, their homes, and their sense of security. But I know that this city and its people will rebuild. The resilience of its people—whether born here or abroad—is a force that cannot be shaken.
Looking Ahead
As recovery efforts continue, my prayers go out to those still trapped, to families waiting for news, and to communities struggling to rebuild.
Bangkok has faced many challenges, but if this experience has taught me anything, it’s that resilience is often born in the face of disaster.
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