Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra chairs a meeting at the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command Center on March 29, 2025. (KHAOSOD Photo/Pattarayoot Phukpol)
BANGKOK — Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has pressed government agencies to improve Thailand’s emergency alert system following criticism of the delayed SMS warnings during the recent Myanmar earthquake that affected Bangkok and other provinces in central and northern Thailand.
During a meeting at the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command Center on March 29, the Prime Minister questioned representatives from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) and the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) about their response to the earthquake.
The DDPM representative explained that their standard procedure is to receive notifications from the Meteorological Department’s Earthquake Surveillance Division before issuing warnings. Since earthquakes cannot be predicted in advance, alerts are only sent after an event occurs.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra chairs a meeting at the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command Center on March 29, 2025. (KHAOSOD Photo/Pattarayoot Phukpol)
When the earthquake struck at 1:20 PM, the DDPM sent four messages to the NBTC, with the first being sent at 2:42 PM advising that people could enter buildings if necessary. The NBTC representative reported that they began sending SMS alerts at 2:44 PM immediately after receiving the message from DDPM.
However, they acknowledged significant limitations in their system, which can only send messages to 100,000-200,000 phone numbers at a time, with a required 15-minute interval between batches. Mobile network operators are working to increase capacity to 3 million numbers at once, but this process takes 5-6 hours due to queue management constraints. In total, messages were eventually sent to over 10 million phone numbers.
PM Paetongtarn identified two main problems: “Our SMS system is slow and not comprehensive enough. This needs to be fixed as a priority.” While acknowledging that a new Cell Broadcast system expected in June or July will allow instant message distribution to all phones, she urged authorities to find immediate solutions with telecom providers to increase SMS capacity from 100,000-200,000 to 1 million messages rapidly.
Rescuers continue searching for people trapped under the rubble of the State Audit Office building in Chatuchak district, Bangkok on March 29, 2025.
“What citizens still aren’t receiving are SMS alerts, and we need to address whether foreign visitors with Thai SIM cards are included in these warnings,” she stated. “The NBTC and DDPM must coordinate on how to integrate these systems better. You need to answer these questions because I have to answer to the public.”
During the earthquake, PM Paetongtarn was visiting Phuket in the south of Thailand. She then changed her scheduled meeting to address the earthquake response and quickly traveled back to Bangkok.
The Prime Minister admitted her own oversight in not specifying what messages should be sent to citizens during emergencies. She thanked television broadcasters for their quick response in broadcasting emergency information within five minutes of her request.
“I’m like every Thai citizen who doesn’t know how to react in these situations because we don’t live in a country that regularly experiences severe earthquakes,” she added. She noted that during the emergency, people couldn’t access vital information about transportation services, and instructed the Ministry of Transport and the NBTC to improve their coordination to prevent similar problems in future emergencies.
The world of construction reinforcement is undergoing a transformative shift. Traditional lapped rebar splices are giving way to innovative mechanical couplers that promise stronger, more efficient, and more sustainable structures.
For over four decades, Dextra has been at the forefront of this revolution in rebar splicing technology. In this article, we explore how Dextra’s next-generation rebar couplers – notably the Griptec® and Bartec® rebar splicing systems – are pushing the boundaries of structural engineering, delivering dramatic reductions in material usage and carbon footprint, and enabling landmark projects like the Jeddah Tower and Brisbane Airport Link.
A Legacy of Innovation in Mechanical Splicing
Founded in 1983, Dextra has established itself as a global leader in construction reinforcement solutions. With a footprint in over 55 countries and involvement in over 20,000 major infrastructure projects globally, Dextra’s reputation is built on proven engineering and manufacturing excellence.
At the heart of its offering are two key technologies: Bartec®, a parallel-thread rebar coupler system known for its exceptional strength and consistency, and Griptec®, a high-performance solution with full mechanical performance and 100% proof testing on every connection. Both systems are designed to meet and exceed international standards and are widely trusted in high-risk, high-spec projects, including nuclear and seismic applications.
Sustainable Engineering: Cutting Carbon with Confidence
Beyond strength and speed, Dextra’s rebar couplers are helping reshape construction’s environmental footprint. Traditional rebar overlap methods increase the total steel used on-site. By replacing overlaps with end-to-end mechanical splices, Dextra couplers can reduce steel usage and CO₂ emissions by up to 90% per connection.
This isn’t just theoretical: on real-world projects, using couplers allow contractors to eliminate dangerous rebar extrusion, simplify steel logistics, improve rebar continuity and reduce material waste significantly. For developers and engineers committed to sustainable building practices, this creates an immediate and measurable impact — without compromising on safety or performance.
Proven in the World’s Most Ambitious Projects
Dextra’s rebar coupler systems have played key roles in some of the most high-profile construction projects around the globe.
Take the Jeddah Tower in Saudi Arabia, set to become the tallest building in the world. In such a structurally demanding project, mechanical splicing was not just an option—it was a necessity. Dextra’s Bartec couplers ensured seamless load transfer throughout the tower’s vertical rebar systems, supporting extreme height while minimizing congestion and material volume.
Meanwhile, in Australia, the Brisbane Airport Link — the country’s longest road tunnel — relied on over 80,000 Griptec couplers to connect reinforcing bars in a high-pressure, underground environment. These couplers contributed to faster construction timelines and superior seismic performance, proving once again that Dextra systems can thrive in the most demanding conditions.
From the depths of tunneling to the peaks of skyscrapers, Dextra’s solutions are designed to perform wherever excellence is non-negotiable.
Certified Quality, Trusted Worldwide
Dextra places a strong emphasis on quality control, precision, and compliance. Its rebar couplers are manufactured under strict international standards, with all key components produced in ISO19443-certified facilities. In fact, Dextra’s main facility includes an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory to test products against stringent performance benchmarks.
Products like Bartec and Griptec are certified by multiple global bodies for seismic, nuclear, and general construction use. These include Type 2 seismic classifications, which ensure performance under dynamic and reversed cyclic loads — critical in earthquake-prone regions and high-stress structures.
Every standard connection is engineered to meet “bar-break” standards, meaning the steel bar itself will fail before the coupler does. This reliability gives engineers and contractors peace of mind in even the most challenging design and site conditions.
Building Tomorrow’s Landmarks, Today
As cities grow taller, infrastructure stretches farther, and sustainability becomes a universal mandate, reinforcement technologies must evolve in lockstep. Dextra’s Griptec and Bartec systems embody this evolution — enabling the construction of stronger, smarter, and more responsible structures.
These next-generation couplers are not only changing how steel is connected — they’re changing what’s possible. Whether it’s cutting carbon, accelerating timelines, or reinforcing the world’s most iconic buildings, Dextra continues to set the standard for innovation in mechanical splicing.
Ready to reinforce your next project with the future of construction? Discover how Dextra’s rebar couplers can deliver performance, precision, and sustainability — all in one solution.
A police officer from Bo Phut Police Station inspects the body of a 30-year-old British man at Thai International Hospital on March 29. The man died following his first Muay Thai fight on Friday night.
KOH SAMUI — A 30-year-old British man died while still wearing Muay Thai shorts on Koh Samui island in Surat Thani province.
Police officers from Bo Phut Police Station investigated the incident at Thai International Hospital shortly after midnight on March 29. The deceased was identified as Mr. Joseph, according to Nantawat Chukaew, the boxing trainer who provided additional details.
On March 28, around 9:30 PM, Joseph participated in his first-ever boxing match at the Inter Samui boxing stadium. During the third round, he was kicked in the right side of his rib cage, prompting the referee to stop the fight.
A 30-year-old British man died while still wearing Muay Thai shorts on Koh Samui island in Surat Thani Province on March 28, 2025.
After the match ended, the deceased walked off the ring on his own and appeared normal, even removing his gloves as usual. However, while unwrapping his hand bandages, he began experiencing muscle tension, labored breathing, and eye rolling, though without seizures.
His trainer brought him to the front of the stage. At that time, Joseph was still conscious, but approximately five minutes later, he collapsed and his heart stopped beating.
While waiting for the rescue foundation ambulance, the boxing trainer performed initial cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Upon arrival at Thai International Hospital, medical staff continued CPR for about an hour before the hospital doctor pronounced him dead at 11:00 PM.
Doctors at Koh Samui Hospital have conducted an autopsy, while police officers will coordinate with the British Embassy to notify the deceased’s relatives.
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.
