Northern Thailand Shaken by Tremors Following Southern Earthquake

Picture courtesy of the Earthquake Observation Division of the Thai Meteorological Department

The province of Nan in northern Thailand experienced two small tremors early yesterday morning, following a prior earthquake in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat that caused notable damage. The Earthquake Observation Division of the Thai Meteorological Department reported that the magnitudes in Nan registered 1.7 and 1.5 on the Richter scale, occurring at 4.04am and 4.52am respectively. Both tremors originated one kilometre underground in tambon Yap Hua Na, Wiang Sa district.

These tremors in Nan came shortly after a more impactful 3.0-magnitude earthquake struck on May 7 in tambon Sai Ra, Chawang district, Nakhon Si Thammarat. Occurring at 5.31am, the quake was felt across Chawang and Phipun districts, prompting evacuations as a precaution. The epicentre of this earthquake was located one kilometre deep, revealing the vulnerability of infrastructure in the region.

Chawang Crown Prince Hospital was temporarily evacuated, allowing public works officials to inspect the facility. They discovered some cracks caused by the earthquake, yet confirmed the structural integrity of the building remained intact. Elsewhere, damage to groundwater wells was reported, although reservoirs in Phipun, specifically Kathun and Klong Din Daeng, were unaffected.

The 3.0-magnitude earthquake on May 7 alarmed residents across several subdistricts, with people reporting tremors and some hearing loud noises. Somdet Phra Yupparat Chawang Hospital and nearby residential flats were evacuated as a precaution, with ongoing damage assessments being conducted.

The Thai Meteorological Department’s Earthquake Observation Division confirmed the epicentre's coordinates at 8.448N, 99.56E, approximately 82 kilometres northeast of Krabi's Mueang district. As aftershocks remain a concern, the Nakhon Si Thammarat provincial Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has issued warnings for residents to remain vigilant. Emergency operation centres and local administrative bodies have been tasked with monitoring any developments closely to ensure community safety.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-05-09