The Department of Mineral Resources has issued a warning regarding a major active fault in Myanmar that could potentially lead to a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.5 within the next 5-10 years. While emphasizing the potential risk, the agency seeks to reassure the public that Thailand would not sustain serious damage from such a disaster.
According to Director-General Oranuch Lorpensri, Myanmar’s Sagaing Fault remains active and possesses sufficient energy to trigger a significant earthquake. Recent seismic activities, including a magnitude 5.6 earthquake on June 19 near Myanmar’s southern coast, have provided supporting evidence. The impact of these events was felt in various parts of Thailand.
To assess the potential impact on Thailand, the Department of Mineral Resources is collaborating with related agencies. Preliminary evaluations suggest that future earthquakes resulting from the Sagaing Fault would likely cause minor fractures or limited damage to cement walls in Bangkok, with major buildings largely unaffected. Director-General Lorpensri assures the public that major structures in Bangkok adhere to earthquake-resistant designs mandated by the Interior Ministry.
Apart from the Sagaing Fault in Myanmar, the department has identified 15 active faults within Thailand that possess the capacity to generate earthquakes of varying intensities. Authorities remain committed to monitoring these fault lines and promptly notifying local residents of any seismic activities detected.
