I lived in Japan a while, in a pre-WW2 building.
The quake in Bangkok was 4-5, not 7.7. Similar quakes when I was there didn't even dislodge a ceiling tile.
About 3 mins after a quake, there would be an announcement telling people what the strength was & what to do. After earthquakes of this size, it was "open all cupboards, stand back in case something falls out".
The Bangkok damage seems relatively severe.