The BTS Skytrain services in Bangkok were temporarily suspended following tremors from a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake in central Myanmar, which were felt in the city.
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A Bangkok Skytrain in operation. Photo from Bangkok Skytain’s Facebook |
“Due to an emergency situation, the BTS train is temporarily suspended,” the Skytrain operator announced via its official Facebook page.
Engineers and safety personnel were conducting assessments on the structural integrity of the rail system to ensure it was safe for operation, it said.
Meanwhile, Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok reported no major operational issues and continued to function normally. However, the earthquake caused the temporary closure of the Chalerm Mahanakhon Expressway and Din Daeng toll entrances and exits, which led to traffic congestion in the surrounding areas, the airport announced.
Due to the transportation disruptions, taxi services at Suvarnabhumi Airport were unavailable. In response, the airport arranged a temporary shuttle bus service for passengers traveling into the city. The shuttle buses will operate until the taxi shortage is resolved, with passengers advised to allow extra time for travel due to potential changes in bus routes based on traffic conditions.
According to the United States Geological Survey, the earthquake in central Myanmar registered at a magnitude of 7.7. Tremors were felt in neighboring countries, including Thailand, Vietnam, and parts of China. In response to the quake, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra convened an emergency meeting.
CNN reported that a building under construction in Chatuchak Park, Bangkok, collapsed during the tremors. Emergency services confirmed that 50 people were inside the building at the time, with one confirmed death, per latest reports. Additional damage was noted throughout the city.
