Department of Geology Explains Cause of 5.3 Magnitude Earthquake in Myanmar from Sagaing Fault; Two Aftershocks Recorded

The Department of Geology has explained that a 5.3 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar was caused by movement along the Sagaing Fault, with two aftershocks recorded. Residents in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Chiang Mai, and Lampang felt tremors, but authorities confirm no structural damage to buildings occurred.

On May 18, 2025, the Geological Disaster Operations Center of the Department of Mineral Resources under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment reported a 5.3 magnitude earthquake occurring at 09:05 AM Thailand time at a depth of 10 kilometers in the sea near southern Myanmar's coast. This was classified as a moderate earthquake, located at latitude 16.351°N and longitude 96.286°E, approximately 247 kilometers southwest of Mae Sod District in Tak Province and about 500 kilometers from Bangkok. Two aftershocks measuring 2.7-3.2 magnitude were recorded by 2:00 PM.

The earthquake was caused by movement along the Sagaing Fault in Myanmar, a right-lateral strike-slip fault moving at approximately 2 centimeters per year. Historically, this fault has produced major earthquakes, including a 7.3 magnitude quake in 1930 that killed over 500 people, and an 8.2 magnitude earthquake on March 28, 2025, which killed over 5,000 people and was felt across many areas of Thailand.

The tremors from this earthquake were felt by residents in high-rise buildings in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Chiang Mai, and Lampang, with intensity classified at level 4 (light) on the Modified Mercalli Scale. Most people felt the shaking, but it caused no structural damage to buildings. The Geological Disaster Operations Center continues to monitor and assess the situation, providing guidance to networks and the public while coordinating with relevant agencies to closely track ongoing seismic activity.