CHONBURI— Synergy Spaces (SNS), a Saha Group member, has partnered with J-PARK Sriracha Nihon Mura and IWG to launch Regus, a premium flexible workspace in Chonburi Province. The new office space, located in the Japanese-style community mall’s Phase 2 New Town Zone, aims to serve growing foreign investment in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).
The 555-square-meter facility offers 120 workstations with private offices accommodating 2-8 people, along with common areas, a business lounge, reception services, and fully equipped meeting rooms.
“SNS is committed to delivering high-quality office networks and fostering business growth through strategic partnerships,” said Mr. Pramate Rittipornpasit, Director of Synergy Spaces Co., Ltd.
Mr. Tinnakorn Bunnag, Senior Vice President of Saha Pathana Inter-Holding PCL, noted that the partnership enhances the working environment by combining authentic Japanese ambiance with lifestyle amenities to benefit business owners and office users.
The strategic location near the motorway, Laem Chabang Port, and Sriracha Industrial Zone has attracted significant interest before its March 1, 2025 launch. According to Mr. Thitiwat Thanapornnithinan, Country Manager of IWG, occupancy has already reached 30% for 2025, with projections of 80% by 2026.
SNS plans to continue expanding with the April 2025 opening of “Spaces” at Kingbridge Tower, a Grade A office space in Bangkok’s Rama III area.
Regus J-PARK Nihon Mura
Regus J-PARK Nihon Mura creates office space to cater to entrepreneurs and business professionals with internationally standardized serviced office facilities, easy access to an array of dining, retail, and lifestyle options. This unique setting blends business with leisure, offering an inspiring environment for productivity and creativity.
IWG at Regus
IWG at Regus is a business group with global expertise in serviced offices, operating 4,000 locations across 1,200 cities in more than 120 countries, providing customers with the flexibility to work from multiple locations worldwide.
Rescuers work at the site a high-rise building under construction that collapsed after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, March 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Wason Wanichakorn)
BANGKOK — The Sagaing Fault earthquake, located 1,100 kilometers from Bangkok, triggered 12 aftershocks, affecting northern Thailand and the capital. However, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced that building damage in Bangkok was limited to structures under construction.
After rushing back from Phuket to Bangkok, the Prime Minister chaired a meeting with relevant agencies to monitor the earthquake centered in Myanmar and its tremors affecting Thailand. She announced that people can now return to their residences, as building damage was limited to structures under construction, while buildings in Bangkok were built to standard and could withstand even stronger earthquakes.
She noted that the Myanmar earthquake was followed by approximately 12 aftershocks, with the initial quake measuring 7.2 on the Richter scale, causing continuous effects on Thai people in both the northern region and Bangkok. She emphasized that this was a land-based earthquake, not occurring at sea, so there is absolutely no tsunami risk.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announces the results of a meeting with relevant agencies to monitor the earthquake centered in Myanmar and its tremors affecting Thailand on March 28, 2025.
BTS Skytrain and underground metro services will return to normal on Saturday morning. Today (March 28), the Ministry of Transport has arranged additional public buses to serve people from evening through the night until morning.
Additionally, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has extended park opening hours and is providing water and food services. An operations center has been established at the Giant Swing, and 2,000 volunteer engineers will help inspect building safety.
According to an interview with Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul at 8:00 PM on March 28, rescue teams have already recovered 8 bodies and rescued approximately 12-13 people.
They have received reports of more than 110 missing people, suggesting the death toll may rise further. Special techniques must be used to retrieve the bodies because working too hastily could cause the debris to shift and collapse again.
Officials search for people trapped under the rubble of the State Audit Office building in Chatuchak district, Bangkok, which collapsed during construction due to earthquake tremors on March 28, 2025.
Fault Quake Felt Across 24 Thai Provinces
Pichit Sombatmak, Director-General of the Department of Mineral Resources, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, stated that the epicenter of this earthquake occurred on the Sagaing Fault in Mandalay, just 16 kilometers northwest of Sagaing city in Myanmar, and approximately 1,100 kilometers from Bangkok.
This resulted in tremors being felt in many areas of Thailand, particularly in the Northern, Northeastern, Eastern, and Central regions, including Bangkok and its vicinity.
“The movement of the Sagaing Fault along the right-lateral strike-slip plane has a displacement rate of 2 centimeters per year. The Sagaing Fault previously caused a major earthquake in 1930 with a magnitude of 7.3, resulting in 500 deaths and extensive damage,” he said.
A bridge that connects two high-rises is seen damaged after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, March 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
For this earthquake, tremors were felt across 24 provinces: in the North including Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Tak, Mae Hong Son, Lamphun, Lampang, and Phitsanulok; in the Northeast including Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Udon Thani, and Ubon Ratchathani; in the East including Chonburi; and in the Central region including Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi, Nakhon Sawan, Ratchaburi, Lopburi, and Nakhon Nayok, as well as in Bangkok and its surrounding provinces including Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, and Nakhon Pathom.
Myanmar Declares State of Emergency
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand has been informed by the Royal Thai Embassy in Yangon about the earthquake on March 28th. Currently, there is widespread damage in many areas, and there may be aftershocks of magnitude 6-7 within 2-3 days and magnitude 4-5 within 7 days.
A building is damaged in the Mandalay Region, following an 8.2 magnitude earthquake that occurred in the afternoon of March 28, 2025.U Bein Bridge damaged by an earthquake Friday, March 28, 2025, in Mandalay, Myanmar.
The Myanmar authorities have declared a state of emergency in the Sagaing Region, Mandalay, Magway, Bago, Naypyidaw, and northeastern Shan State. Thai nationals in Myanmar are advised to prepare emergency survival supplies sufficient for 3 days and keep important documents and cash on hand.
At present, the Embassy has not received any reports of Thai nationals being injured or killed in this incident.
All Thai nationals in Myanmar are urged to closely follow news updates from the Embassy and Myanmar authorities. Thai nationals affected by the situation can contact the Embassy at +95 9880916795 or through the Embassy’s Facebook page.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to monitor the situation closely and wishes for the safety of all Thai nationals in Myanmar and all Thai brothers and sisters.
A building is damaged after earthquake Friday, March 28, 2025, in Naypyitaw, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Aung Shine Oo)
BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) — A 7.7 magnitude earthquake and an aftershock measuring 6.4 rocked Myanmar and neighboring Thailand on Friday, destroying buildings, a bridge and a dam.
At least 144 people were killed in Myanmar, the head of the military government said in the televised speech.
“The death toll and injuries are expected to rise,” Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing said. He said over 700 people had been injured.
The quake brought down a high-rise building under construction in Bangkok and damaging historic buildings in Myanmar. Damage was also reported in China.
The quake struck in the early afternoon, sending people streaming out of buildings and seeking shelter anywhere they could find it from the blazing sun.
Myanmar’s military-run government has declared a state of emergency in six regions.
Volunteers look for survivors near a damaged building Friday, March 28, 2025, in Naypyitaw, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Aung Shine Oo)
Impact ‘likely to be severe’
“The impact of the earthquake in Myanmar is likely to be severe, with possibly thousands of displaced people in need of urgent shelter, food and medical aid,” said Mohammed Riyas, regional director of the International Rescue Committee.
“We fear it may be weeks before we understand the full extent of destruction caused by this earthquake, as communication network lines are down and transport is disrupted,” he said. “The damage to infrastructure and homes, loss of life, and injuries sustained by communities affected should not be underestimated.”
Riyas said the IRC and its partners are working to understand how communities have been affected with the aim of launching an emergency response. He said in a statement that “search and rescue operations are underway.”
Vehicles make their way near a road damaged by an earthquake Friday, March 28, 2025, in Naypyitaw, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Aung Shine Oo)
Pope offer prayers for victims
Pope Francis, who is convalescing after a five-week hospitalization for life-threatening double pneumonia, offered prayers to the victims of the earthquake.
“The pope has been informed of the disaster in Myanmar and is praying for the dramatic situation and for the many victims, also in Thailand,’’ the Vatican said in a statement.
Monastery hit, dam bursts
The earthquake reportedly brought down multiple buildings in Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, including the Ma Soe Yane monastery.
A video posted online showed robed monks in the street shooting video of the multistory monastery before it suddenly fell into the ground. It was not immediately clear whether anyone was harmed.
Christian Aid said its partners and colleagues on the ground reported that a dam burst in the city, causing water levels to rise in the lowland areas in the area.
The Red Cross said downed power lines added to challenges for their teams trying to reach several hard-hit areas.
Bridge collapse, highway damaged
In Mandalay, which was close to the epicenter, the earthquake damaged part of the former royal palace and buildings, according to videos and photos released on Facebook social media.
In the Sagaing region, southwest of Mandalay, a 90-year-old bridge collapsed, and some sections of the highway connecting Mandalay and Myanmar’s largest city, Yangon, were damaged.
In the capital Naypyitaw, the quake damaged religious shrines, sending parts toppling to the ground.
Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun, a military government spokesperson, told state television MRTV that blood was in high demand in the hospitals in earthquakes-hit areas, especially Mandalay, Sagaing, and Naypyitaw.
He urged blood donors to contact the hospitals as soon as possible.
‘Significant damage’
The Red Cross said downed power lines are adding to challenges for their teams trying to reach Mandalay and Sagaing regions and southern Shan state.
“Initial reports from the ground suggest the earthquake has caused significant damage,” the Red Cross said. “Information on humanitarian needs is still being gathered.”
Volunteers look for survivors near a damaged building Friday, March 28, 2025, in Naypyitaw, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Aung Shine Oo)
State of emergency
A state of emergency has been declared in six regions and states in Myanmar by the military-run government.
State-run MRTV television said the government’s proclamation includes the capital Naypyitaw and Mandalay, after the earthquake and a strong aftershock, whose epicenter was near the country’s second largest city.
Myanmar is in the midst of a civil war and many areas are not easily accessible and it was not immediately clear what relief efforts the military would be able to provide.
Many missing in Bangkok building collapse
Thai emergency responders said at least two people have been found dead and an unknown number of others are still under the rubble of a collapsed building in Bangkok.
Rescue worker Songwut Wangpon, speaking at the scene of a tall pile of rubble that was once a high-rise building under construction, told reporters another seven people had been found alive.
Thailand’s Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai later said three people had been confirmed dead with 90 others missing following the building collapse.
Rescuers work at the site a high-rise building under construction that collapsed after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, March 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Wason Wanichakorn)
The collapse of the multi-story structure sent a crane on top of it toppling to the ground and created a massive plume of dust.
People rush for safety in teeming Bangkok
People in the Silom business district of Bangkok evacuated office buildings and condominium towers along Rama IV Road and streamed into nearby Lumphini Park. The sidewalks filled with work crews with neon green shirts, along with other workers in hard hats and blue and green uniform shirts.
Along the walkways of the park and the sidewalks of Silom and nearby Sathon, people in business attire and company uniforms huddled or stood in packs talking and checking their phones. Some moving through the crowds were crying or visibly distraught.
Paul Vincent, a tourist visiting from England, was at a streetside bar when the quake struck.
People who evacuated from buildings following earthquake in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, March 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Chutima Lalit)
“The next thing, everybody came on the street, so there was a lot of screaming and panicking, which obviously made it a lot worse,” he said.
As he came onto the street himself, he said he saw a high-rise building swaying and water was falling from a rooftop pool.
“When I saw the building, oh my God, that’s when … it hit me,” he said. “There was people crying in the streets and, you know, the panic was horrendous really.”
Damage reported in nearby China
The earthquake was felt in Yunnan and Sichuan provinces in China and caused injuries and damage to houses in the city of Ruili on the border with northern Myanmar, according to Chinese media reports.
Videos that one outlet said it had received from a person in Ruili showed building debris littering a street and a person being wheeled on a stretcher toward an ambulance.
The shaking in Mangshi, a Chinese city about 100 kilometers (60 miles) northeast of Ruili, was so strong that people couldn’t stand, one resident told The Paper, an online media outlet.
Thai prime minister promises all necessary help
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said in a news conference that she has ordered relevant agencies to prepare and work to relieve the situation and warned of possible aftershocks. She didn’t mention any casualties.
“I’d like to ask everyone to stay calm and do not panic, but please be careful.”
Bangkok City Hall has declared Bangkok an area of disaster
Combination image of the 33-story State Audit Office building, which was nearly completed before collapsing due to earthquake tremors in Chatuchak district, Bangkok, on March 28, 2025.
BANGKOK — Tremors from a magnitude 8.2 earthquake in Myanmar that shook buildings throughout Bangkok on Friday afternoon caused the new Office of the Auditor General building under construction in Chatuchak district to completely collapse. Three deaths have been confirmed so far from the initially reported 81 missing workers.
The 33-story building under construction was situated on a 4-rai, 2-ngan plot adjacent to an auditorium and parking lot on State Railway land. The construction site was entirely enclosed by metal sheet fencing. The project was a joint venture between Italian-Thai Development and a Chinese company.
When the collapse occurred at 1:20 PM on March 28, workers at the construction site fled in panic. The surrounding area was filled with dust clouds, limiting visibility. Rescue personnel rushed to provide first aid to the injured in safe areas, while those still trapped inside were being extracted using backhoes and specialized equipment before being urgently transported to hospitals.
Building Collapsed 10 Minutes After Tremors
Somsak Sadkaew, 67, a foreman at TTSW Engineering Limited, revealed that before the collapse, while working on the lower floor, he heard the concrete floor of the building under construction making cracking sounds but couldn’t identify which floor it was coming from. He quickly ran outside and, looking up, saw the crane on the roof swaying, confirming his suspicion of an earthquake. Approximately 10 minutes later, the building collapsed.
He stated that normally about 170 workers from various companies were working inside the building. He noted that it was fortunate the incident occurred when it did – if it had happened around 4:00 PM during shift change, the casualties could have been much higher.
The ruins of the 33-story State Audit Office building, a $63 million construction project near the Chatuchak Weekend Market commercial area in Bangkok, which collapsed due to earthquake tremors on March 28, 2025.Officials evacuate injured victims from the rubble of the State Audit Office building in Chatuchak district, Bangkok, to hospitals after the building under construction collapsed due to earthquake tremors on March 28, 2025.
Bangkok Governor Announces Disaster Zones
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has signed a declaration from the Bangkok Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command Center announcing disaster zones in Bangkok. The most significant damage was found at the Office of the Auditor General building under construction in Chatuchak district and at a collapsed construction crane in Din Daeng district. Other buildings showed cracks.
The BMA has organized volunteer engineers to inspect safety at nearly 200 locations following public reports.
Unprecedented Incident in 100 Years
At 2:30 PM, Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai arrived at the scene and established a joint command center for victims. He ordered military personnel to work with rescue workers and relevant agencies to urgently assist in debris removal and search for injured and deceased victims.
He stated that this earthquake in Bangkok is unprecedented in the past 100 years, and authorities are concerned about aftershocks, requiring close monitoring. The Prime Minister is reportedly returning to open an operations center.
Officials search for people trapped under the rubble of the State Audit Office building in Chatuchak district, Bangkok, which collapsed during construction due to earthquake tremors on March 28, 2025.
From left to right: Mr. Amarin Nitibhon, renowned actor and professional golfer; Mr. David Wong, CEO and founder of Deemples; Mr. Kittisak Cholasueksa,(Country Head) Manager of Deemples (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Mr. Ahmad Daleen, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Deemples; Mr. Daniel Boongullaya, General Manager of Floraville Golf & Country Club.
Deemples expansion to Thailand, the largest market for golf in Southeast Asia, marks a major milestone in strengthening the region’s golf network and unlocking new opportunities for golfers to connect.
BANGKOK, 21 March 2025 – Deemples, Southeast Asia’s leading golf platform and mobile app, celebrated its official launch in Thailand with a grand event at Lakewood Country Club today. With the official addition of Thailand on the Deemples platform, both local and international golfers will be able to meet other golfers, book games and make seamless payments directly through the mobile app.
Deemples was born out of a simple need, to find golf buddies. What started as a solution quickly became Southeast Asia’s largest golf community, making it effortless for golfers to arrange games, whether it’s a casual round, a tournament, or a club match. With its tech-driven approach and seamless payment integration, Deemples ensures that golfers can focus on what truly matters, playing the game.
With the largest golfer user base and number of golf course partners onboard across Southeast Asia, this expansion into Thailand aims to enhance the golfing experience by fostering a more connected and accessible community, making it easier than ever for golfers to enjoy the sport anytime, anywhere.
Mr. David Wong, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Founder of Deemples.
“At its core, golf is about connections, both on and off the course. Deemples is revolutionizing how golfers meet and play by removing the barriers to organizing a game. The Thai golf community has been incredibly welcoming, with over thousands of golfers already joining our platform. No matter where you are, the language of the sport is the same, it’s about passion and the love of the game. With leading golf courses like Riverdale Golf Club, Thana City Golf Club, and Pinehurst Golf Club already onboard, Deemples is making it easier than ever to book a round, find playing partners, and enjoy seamless payments, all in one app,” said David Wong, CEO and founder of Deemples
At the launch event, leading consumer technology brand Huawei partnered with Deemples to provide its latest golf smartwatch technology, the HUAWEI WATCH GT5 Pro, as giveaways to the Deemples community. Known for enhancing the golfing experience, these smartwatches feature advanced course mapping, swing analysis, and real-time tee time booking. Deemples and Huawei are working on an integration to bring these features directly into the app, shaping the future of smart golf.
Deemples brings golfers together to strengthen Thailand’s golf community.
Supporting Thailand’s thriving golf community
Mr. Kittisak Cholasueksa,(Country Head) Manager of Deemples (Thailand) Co., Ltd. stated at the event: “Thailand’s golf industry is in an upswing with rising youth participation and growing popularity amongst international players flocking to Thailand for golf getaways. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has embraced golf as a cornerstone of its tourism strategy, drawing an estimated 700,000 golf tourists annually. With over 250 world-class golf courses in the country, this shift is not only fueling a surge in local golfers but also drawing international enthusiasts eager to experience the game alongside Asia’s talent.”
From left to right: Mr. Amarin Nitibhon, renowned actor and professional golfer; Mr. Daniel Boongullaya, General Manager of Floraville Golf & Country Club.
Amarin Nitibhon, renowned actor & avid Deemples user shared, “Golf has always been a big part of my life, and Deemples has truly been a game-changer for me. I’ve used Deemples when they launched here in Thailand, and already gotten a few games in via the app, and meeting new people. With its expansion into Thailand, I’m excited to see more golfers experience this convenience and I can’t wait to tee off with fellow golf enthusiasts even in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia!
Recognising this momentum, Deemples is perfectly positioned to capitalise on this burgeoning trend. By seamlessly connecting golfers across Southeast Asia, including the expanding market in Thailand, Deemples facilitates the very connections that drive golf tourism. The platform’s ability to link local players with international visitors, alongside its comprehensive booking and event features, creates a dynamic ecosystem that encourages both domestic and international golf participation.
Daniel Boongullaya, General Manager of Flora Ville Golf & Country Club shared, “The golf scene in Thailand has been steadily growing in the last few years with more people, both internationally and locally, starting to play the game. With Deemples, we can tap into both markets faster and more easily than ever before considering Deemples’ aggressive marketing efforts, and easy to use technology. We can now focus on making sure our golf course provides the best that Thailand has to offer. Just 2 months after listing on Deemples, we have already seen new golfers book games at our course, and we expect to see even more in the coming months.”
With golf course partners in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, and now Thailand, Deemples is not just a platform but a catalyst for the growth of golf tourism, fostering a vibrant and interconnected golfing experience for all. With Thailand now part of the Deemples family, the future of golf is more connected than ever. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just starting out, finding your next game is now just a tap away.
Deemples Executive Team (from left to right): Mr.Kittisak Cholasueksa, Manager of Deemples (Thailand) Co., Ltd.; Mr. David Wong, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Founder of Deemples; Mr. Ahmad Daleen, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Deemples.
About Deemples Deemples, a free app tailored for golf enthusiasts, facilitates seamless connections among players seeking golfing partners, and the largest selection of golf courses available for online booking in Malaysia. With tens of thousands of games logged on the platform to date, it has become a go-to resource for arranging golf games at any time. Presently available for golf courses in Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore, Deemples offers accessibility across multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, and Huawei App Gallery. For further details about Deemples and its services, visit here.
Master Phrataratorn Panutatthanakhun has received the prestigious “Global Young Achievement Award,” which aims to inspire Thai youth to become effective leaders in global society and to embrace global citizenship. The award ceremony, held on International Women’s Day (March 9, 2025) at Siam Fantasy, Asiatique the Riverfront in Bangkok, also honored distinguished experts including UN human rights lawyers, UNICEF education activists, diplomats from various countries, and representatives from organizations involved in education, human rights, and environmental causes.
Dr. Pichet Chuamuangphan, First Vice President of the House of Representatives, presided over the opening ceremony, which was organized under the leadership of Dr. Apinita Chaichana, Global President of UNPKFC and President of the United Nations Association for the Southeast Asia Region, California Branch (UNA-USA).
The event was also graced by Princess Karen Cantrell, Chairman Of The Board – Founders Circle at United Nations Association of The Coachella Valley, who delivered a keynote address. Jennie Alexandra Williams, a British lawyer and advisor on gender equality and integration in the Asia-Pacific region, also participated as a featured speaker.
Master Phrataratorn Panutatthanakhun ‘s impressive achievements include serving as a Peace Youth Ambassador for UNPKFC and as team captain in Thailand’s F1 IN SCHOOLS First National Finals competition. He demonstrates strong STEM capabilities in robot design and programming, along with excellent English skills. His outstanding academic performance, good behavior, and regular participation in social and environmental activities earned him a position on Norwich International School’s Year 4 Student Council in 2025. He is ready to become a leader with confidence to expresses himself with ease and volunteers selflessly for the benefit of society, regardless of race, religion, or cultural differences. He actively participates in and learns from peace-promoting activities aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
This award highlights the important role played by Thai youth in society and encourages young people to contribute to global development across social, economic, and environmental dimensions. It serves as recognition of their abilities and inspires them to grow into effective global leaders.
People who evacuated from buildings following earthquake in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, March 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Chutima Lalit)
BANGKOK (AP) — A strong 7.7 magnitude earthquake rocked the Thai capital Friday, causing buildings to sway.
The U.S. Geological Survey and Germany’s GFZ center for geosciences said the midday temblor was a shallow 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), with an epicenter in neighboring Myanmar, according to preliminary reports reports.
The greater Bangkok area is home to more than 17 million people, many of whom live in high-rise apartments.
Alarms went off in buildings as the earthquake hit around 1:30 p.m., and startled residents were evacuated down staircases of high-rise condominiums and hotels in densely populated central Bangkok.
People who evacuated from buildings following earthquake in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, March 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Chutima Lalit)
They remained in the streets, seeking shade from the midday sun in the minutes after the quake.
The quake was forceful enough to send water sloshing out of pools, some high up in high-rises, as the tremor shook.
“All of a sudden the whole building began to move. Immediately there was screaming and a lot of panic,” said Fraser Morton, a tourist from Scotland, who was in one of Bangkok’s many malls shopping for camera equipment.
“I just started walking calmly at first but then the building started really moving, yeah, a lot of screaming, a lot of panic, people running the wrong way down the escalators, lots of banging and crashing inside the mall.”
Like Morton, thousands of people poured into Benjasiri Park from nearby shopping malls, high rises and apartment buildings along Bangkok’s busy Sukhumvit Road.
Many were on phones trying to reach loved ones as others sought shade from the hot early afternoon sun. Others stared up fearfully at the tall buildings in the densely packed part of the city.
“I got outside and then looked up at the building and the whole building was moving, dust and debris, it was pretty intense,” Morton said. “Lots of chaos.”
Rescuers work at the site of a high-rise building under construction that collapsed after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, March 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
The sound of sirens echoed throughout central Bangkok and vehicles filled the street, leaving some of the city’s already congested streets gridlocked. The elevated rapid transit system and subway were shut down.
City hall declared the city a disaster area to facilitate interagency aid and emergency help.
Paul Vincent, a tourist visiting from England, was at a streetside bar when the quake struck.
“The next thing, everybody came on the street, so there was a lot of screaming and panicking, which obviously made it a lot worse,” he said.
As he came onto the street himself, he said he saw a high-rise building swaying and water was falling from a rooftop pool.
“When I saw the building, oh my God, that’s when … it hit me,” he said. “There was people crying in the streets and, you know, the panic was horrendous really.”
Rescuers tend to injured from the site of a high-rise building under construction that collapsed after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, March 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
Water from high-rise rooftop pools sloshed over the side as they shook, and debris fell from many buildings as the long-lasting earthquake rattled the city.
“I have experienced earthquakes twice before in Myanmar, but that was only one second, one big bang, but here it went on for at least, I’d say, a minute,” said Zsuzsanna Vari-Kovacs, a Hungarian resident of Bangkok, who had just finished eating at a restaurant when the quake hit.
“My husband was in a high-rise, I think that’s even worse.”
Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention said the quake was felt in almost all regions of the country.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra called an emergency meeting to assess the impact of the quake.
Rescuers work at the site of a high-rise building under construction that collapsed after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, March 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
Bridge collapses in Myanmar and injuries reported in China
In Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city and close to the epicenter, the earthquake damaged part of the former royal palace and buildings, according to videos and photos released on Facebook social media.
While the area is prone to earthquakes, it is generally sparsely populated, and most houses are low-rise structures.
In the Sagaing region just southwest of Mandalay, a 90-year-old bridge collapsed, and some sections of the highway connecting Mandalay and Myanmar’s largest city, Yangon, were also damaged.
Residents in Yangon rushed out of their homes when the quake struck. There were no immediate reports of injuries or deaths.
In the capital Naypyitaw, the quake damaged religious shrines, sending parts toppling to the ground, and some homes.
To the northeast, the earthquake was felt in Yunnan and Sichuan provinces in China and caused damage to houses and injuries in the city of Ruili on the border with Myanmar, according to Chinese media reports.
Videos that one outlet said it had received from a person in Ruili showed building debris littering a street and a person being wheeled in a stretcher toward an ambulance.
The shaking in Mangshi, a Chinese city about 100 kilometers (60 miles) northeast of Ruili, was so strong that people couldn’t stand, one resident told The Paper, an online media outlet.
A resident of Kunming, the provincial capital of Yunnan, told The Paper that her ceiling lamp was swinging wildly and the shaking lasted more than 10 seconds.
PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra answers questions about the Entertainment Complex bill on March 28, 2025.
BANGKOK — The long-running debate in Thailand over investment in entertainment complexes has taken a significant step forward. On March 27, the Cabinet approved a draft law proposed by the Council of State, which stipulates that casinos may not account for more than 10% of the total area.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said on Friday that if the bill passed, it will generate 8 to 35 billion baht in tax revenue. “As for how much money will actually come into the country, that’s not yet clear. We need to get through the first stage first,” she stated.
10% of the Land is Casino
The Prime Minister clarified that the 10% figure being discussed might be misunderstood as referring to investment amounts. “It actually means 10% of the land or usable building space where the entertainment complex is located, such as dedicating an entire floor to a casino,” she explained.
When reporters asked how the government would address ongoing protests from anti-casino groups, the Prime Minister responded that they need to build understanding and will send people to discuss the details. She added that the coalition has no objection to the project.
The entertainment complex project is one the government insists is necessary to develop and increase man-made tourist destinations and stimulate the economy.
Social and Political Opposition
According to government policy, over the past decade, Thailand’s economic growth has been very low, not matching the potential of the country and Thai people. Creating important turning points, especially in the economy and tourism, is therefore essential.
However, the project faces both social and political opposition from anti-gambling groups, religious organizations, and groups opposed to Thaksin Shinawatra, who claimed he initiated this idea more than 20 years ago but faced too much resistance to launch it. Meanwhile, neighboring countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and even Cambodia have already moved ahead with similar projects.
Ramkhamhaeng University Student Organization and Student Council stage a protest opposing legal casinos and online gambling at Government House on March 17, 2025.
The opposition parties have raised concerns that the government is rushing this draft legislation because of potential deals with business conglomerates, particularly from China. They are calling for transparent communication to address public skepticism, including clarity on who will benefit from the project and how the licensing process for entertainment complexes will remain transparent, demonstrating clear benefits to the public.
Changes by the State Council
Government spokesperson Jirayu Huangsap explained that the cabinet had already approved the principles of the law on entertainment complexes drafted by the Ministry of Finance on January 13, 2025 and forwarded it to the State Council for review. The State Council then revised and refined the draft, and the Cabinet has now approved the changes.
4 Key Amendments:
Prosecuting authority: The Prime Minister and the Interior minister will jointly oversee the enforcement of the law (previously only the Prime Minister was tasked with this role).
Extended powers of the Policy Committee: The Policy Committee will have additional responsibilities, including making recommendations to Cabinet on key issues such as business policy for entertainment complexes and the identification of locations for such businesses.
Director Appointment Mechanism: The Policy Committee will be responsible for the appointment of the Director.
Policy framework for entertainment complexes: The Policy Committee must submit a policy framework to Cabinet.
Malaysia’s Genting Group is set to open Resorts World Las Vegas, the first new mega-resort on the city’s famed Strip in more than a decade. (Photo courtesy of Resorts World Las Vegas)
A policy framework covering at least the following aspects:
The number of licenses to be issued.
Permitted locations for entertainment complexes.
Investment criteria for public-private partnerships or private-sector investment.
Measures to prevent, mitigate, and remedy potential negative impacts of entertainment complexes.
Public consultation requirements for designated entertainment complex areas.
Casino area restrictions: gambling areas must not exceed 10% of the total land or usable building space, whichever is smaller.
Licensees of entertainment complex businesses will automatically be deemed to hold construction and business operation permits. Those operating casinos will be classified as financial institutions under anti-money laundering laws.
Regulations for casino operations, including: (8.1) Anti-money laundering measures (8.2) A suitable and efficient casino control system (8.3) Measures to prevent and address casino-related issues (not included in the original draft).
Entry requirements for Thai citizens to the casino: Thai nationals wishing to gamble must hold a fixed deposit of at least 50 million baht for at least six months and pass the suitability tests set by the Casino Management Committee. (Previously, Thai nationals were prohibited from registering and paying the fee required by the committee).
Prohibited practices: License holders or other persons are prohibited from hiring or providing incentives to increase the number of players or the amount of money spent at casinos.
Additional administrative penalties: The new penalties include administrative penalties for violations such as non-compliance with the director’s instructions or the admission of persons who are prohibited from entering casinos.
New Criminal Offenses: The revised draft introduces new criminal offenses, such as: enabling gambling in casinos via online systems. Broadcasting casino gambling activities, and engaging in actions that artificially increase the number of gamblers or the amount of money spent on gambling.
Jirayu explained that the bill went through four rounds of public consultation, with the last round taking place over 15 days from February 28 to March 14, 2025. A total of 71,289 people participated, of which 80% (57,000 people) expressed their approval.
The government will submit the Entertainment Complex Bill to the House of Representatives as an urgent agenda item to complete the process before the parliamentary session ends on April 11.
Feedback focused on ensuring clear oversight, mitigating social impacts, identifying appropriate locations and improving joint governance mechanisms. The amendments also emphasize the cost-effectiveness of establishing a regulatory office, increasing flexibility in the role of the Policy Committee and improving public perception of the law.
The next step is to submit the Bill to the House of Representatives for consideration at first reading, followed by the establishment of a Select Committee for further review and amendment. The Government reiterated its commitment to prioritize the economic, investment and tourism benefits of the Entertainment Complex Initiative.
Casinos Will Be Strictly Regulated
Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat stated that the main public concern regarding entertainment complexes centers on social issues related to gambling. He explained that clear rules will be established to ensure casino areas are distinctly separated from other entertainment businesses, and individuals under 20 years of age will be prohibited from entering the casinos.
“We will establish a dedicated regulatory committee and implement modern technology, such as AI-equipped surveillance cameras, to monitor and regulate people entering and exiting the premises,” Julapun said. “Those who show patterns of frequent gambling or excessive spending may be tracked and potentially banned from the area.”
Regarding the Council of State’s amendment requiring Thai nationals to have 50 million baht in their accounts to legally enter casinos, the Deputy Minister clarified that this is merely one proposal. “This requirement will be further discussed in parliament to determine appropriate adjustments,” he added.
In Thailand, where aesthetic clinics outnumber 7-Elevens in some areas, looking good isn’t just a personal aspiration. It’s a booming business. According to the Ministry of Public Health, there are more than 8,000 licensed aesthetic clinics operating across the country, serving a growing demand for non-invasive cosmetic treatments.
A new study from Interplast Clinic, a plastic surgery center based in Bangkok, takes a closer look at where that demand is most intense. Researchers analyzed 12 months of Google search data for popular anti-aging treatments including “fillers,” “botox,” and “HIFU.” By adjusting for population size, they created a Beauty Index to rank which provinces are searching for youth-preserving procedures the most.
Bangkok leads the pack, which may come as no surprise. But the rest of the top ten reveals some interesting patterns, from urban outskirts with rising incomes to beachside provinces where appearances matter in both social and professional settings.
Top 5 Youth-Obsessed Provinces in Thailand
Bangkok – Beauty Index: 1.11 Bangkok tops the list by a wide margin. With more than 2,000 aesthetic clinics and a population that places high value on appearance, the capital shows the strongest per-capita interest in anti-aging procedures. Factors like professional competition, income levels, and easy access to clinics all likely contribute to the high demand.
Phuket – Beauty Index: 0.58 Phuket ranks second, with search volume showing particularly strong interest in lip fillers. While the province is best known as a luxury travel destination, local demand appears to be growing as well. Increasing urbanization, rising disposable income, and exposure to global beauty trends may all play a role.
Nonthaburi – Beauty Index: 0.46 Nonthaburi, just outside of Bangkok, comes in third. Known for its upscale residential areas, the province also benefits from proximity to top clinics in the capital. Popular searches suggest growing interest in skin-tightening treatments.
Pathum Thani – Beauty Index: 0.45 Home to major universities like Thammasat and AIT, Pathum Thani has a large population of students and young professionals. As the area continues to develop, interest in aesthetic treatments appears to be rising alongside other lifestyle trends.
Chonburi – Beauty Index: 0.39 Chonburi, which includes the city of Pattaya, ranked fifth. While the province has a strong tourism economy, the relatively high number of Thai-language searches indicate steady demand from residents as well. Local clinics offering non-invasive treatments are becoming increasingly common.
Other Noteworthy Provinces
Chiang Mai ranked joint sixth with a Beauty Index of 0.35. The city has a well-established beauty sector, with growing demand around injectables and skin-lifting procedures such as Ulthera and Ultraformer II.
Rayong also placed in the top ten. Located within driving distance of Bangkok, the province has seen rising interest in cosmetic procedures, possibly tied to ongoing development in the area and increased awareness of aesthetic options.
Smaller provinces such as Ranong (0.21) and Trat (0.19) also showed notable levels of search activity. While these areas are better known for tourism and natural landscapes, the data suggests that interest in anti-aging treatments is not limited to urban centers.
Where Interest Remains Low
At the other end of the list, provinces Si Saket (0.04) recorded the lowest levels of search interest for cosmetic treatments, followed by Narathiwat, Surin and Chaiyaphum all at (0.05). These differences may reflect a mix of factors, including access to services, income levels, and cultural preferences.
A Growing Industry with Regional Differences
Thailand’s aesthetics market continues to expand, offering everything from quick lunchtime procedures to luxury anti-aging packages. This study highlights how interest in these services is distributed across the country. While major cities dominate the top of the list, smaller and more rural provinces are also showing signs of growth as awareness spreads and treatment options become more accessible.
Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, head of the military council, speaks during a parade to commemorate Myanmar's 80th Armed Forces Day in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, Thursday, March 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Aung Shine Oo)
BANGKOK (AP) — Myanmar’s military chief used a speech at the annual Armed Forces Day celebration Thursday to reaffirm plans to hold a general election by year’s end and call on opposition groups fighting the army to join in party politics and the electoral process.
Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing said his military government was preparing to hold the election in December and that it will be conducted according to security conditions in the country’s various regions, where there is armed conflict.
He spoke before more than 7,000 military personnel at the parade, held in the capital Naypyitaw. Rifle-bearing servicemen and women stood to attention as the general reviewed their ranks from the back of an open vehicle. They then marched past him in order, saluting him as fighter jets flew overhead, firing off flares into the night sky.
The army’s takeover from Aung San Suu Kyi ’s elected government in February 2021 has been met with widespread opposition, triggering armed resistance, plunging much of the country into conflict. The ruling military has since said an election was the primary goal but has repeatedly pushed back the date.
Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, head of the military council, inspects officers during a parade to commemorate Myanmar’s 80th Armed Forces Day, in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, Thursday, March 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Aung Shine Oo)
The plan for a general election is widely seen as an attempt to legitimize the military’s seizure of power through the ballot box and to deliver a result that ensures the generals retain control.
In his speech, Min Aung Hlaing also tried to justify the overthrow of Suu Kyi’s elected government with familiar but widely discredited accusations of it failing to investigate irregularities in the November 2020 general election, and repeating that his government would hold “a free and fair election” and hand over power afterward.
The country’s current security situation, with the military believed to control less than half the country, poses a serious challenge to holding elections.
Critics have already said the military-planned election will be neither free nor fair because there is no free media and most of the leaders of Suu Kyi’s popular but now dissolved National League for Democracy party have been arrested. Suu Kyi, 79, is serving prison sentences totaling 27 years after being convicted in a series of politically tainted prosecutions brought by the military.
Police officers stand at attention during a parade to commemorate Myanmar’s 80th Armed Forces Day in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, Thursday, March 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Aung Shine Oo)
The 80th anniversary of Armed Forces Day marks the day in 1945 when the army of Myanmar, then known as Burma, began its fight against occupying Japanese forces who had taken over after driving out the British.
Min Aung Hlaing, during an early March visit to Belarus, a key ally, had announced the time frame for the election. He said then that 53 political parties have already submitted their lists to participate in the election.
State media reported that he reiterated the election plans at an official meeting on Tuesday, though the reports were unclear on whether the vote would be held in the last two weeks of December, the first two weeks of January or over a period extending for those four weeks.
Separately, state-run MRTV television reported Thursday that Min Aung Hlaing granted amnesty to seven foreign prisoners, including four Thais jailed in the southern coastal town of Kawthaung who will be deported.
It is not unusual for amnesties for prisoners to be announced on state or religious holidays.
It wasn’t immediately clear whether the four Thais were the fishermen arrested by Myanmar’s navy in November after patrol boats opened fire on Thai fishing vessels in waters close to their maritime border in the Andaman Sea.
