Brit in Bangkok earthquake details horror moment 'cracks appeared in building'

Powerful Earthquake Tremors Shake Bangkok and Myanmar

Bangkok, Thailand – A British national in Bangkok has described the terrifying experience of a significant 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Thailand and adjacent Myanmar. The seismic event caused noticeable cracks to appear in his office building, disrupting what began as a typical workday. The 34-year-old expatriate was understandably shaken by the sudden and alarming turn of events in the bustling capital city.

Eyewitness Account of the Earthquake

The chef recounted being in his office, conversing with a colleague, when the earthquake struck at lunchtime on Friday, local time. The tremors prompted widespread evacuations throughout Bangkok, as individuals in his office building rushed outdoors in panic. A subsequent aftershock, registering a magnitude of 6.4, occurred approximately 12 minutes later, further unsettling the region.

Jaine Brent, the man’s mother, shared with news outlets that her son reported feeling unsteady moments before the earthquake, noting the surprising absence of any prior warning.

Mother’s Anxiety and Son’s Condition

“My son was in his office speaking with a coworker when suddenly his legs felt weak, and he had to sit down. Shortly after, his colleague experienced the same sensation, and panic erupted within the office,” she recounted.

“Cracks began forming in the building, and the entire structure was shaking. Everyone evacuated immediately. Some construction sites in the city reportedly suffered complete collapses.”

Expressing concern over the lack of alert systems, she added, “There was absolutely no warning that this was about to happen. One would assume in this modern era, technology would exist to provide some form of alarm.”

News of Earthquake Reaches Family

The anxious mother revealed her distress upon hearing news reports on the radio. Listening to LBC radio from her Lancashire home at approximately 8 am, she learned of the alarming earthquake and was deeply worried about her son, who prefers to remain unnamed in media reports.

“Upon hearing the news broadcast, my heart sank, and I immediately reached for my phone to contact my son in Bangkok, where he resides with his fiancé,” she stated.

“He was shaken but unharmed. The situation there is utterly chaotic. Roads are heavily congested, and people are reportedly heading to the airport with luggage in an attempt to leave.”

Bangkok’s Beauty Amidst the Calamity

Despite the distressing circumstances, she fondly recalled her recent visit to Thailand. “It is truly heart-wrenching. I visited in January and was completely charmed by the country. Thailand is such a beautiful nation with wonderful people who genuinely care for those in their employment. Their respect for elders is truly remarkable.”

Emergency Response Underway in Bangkok

Emergency services in Bangkok are currently assessing the areas impacted by the earthquake and are responding to emerging reports of injuries and structural damage across the city. Hospitals and first responders have been placed on high readiness, and authorities are cautioning residents that aftershocks represent a continued threat in the immediate future.