When a powerful earthquake struck Myanmar, its tremors extended all the way to Thailand, causing a calamity in Bangkok that went beyond shaking buildings. Naruemon Thonglek, unaware of the immediate aftermath, soon saw news reports depicting a high-rise under construction that had crumbled. She instantly recognized this building as the workplace of her Burmese partner, his son, and four close friends.
“I lost all strength,” recounted Naruemon, describing her reaction after the tremors subsided. Despite her desperate attempts to reach her partner through calls and messages, she was met with silence, confirming her worst fears that he was trapped inside. The seismic upheaval not only impacted Myanmar, where it claimed over 2,000 lives, but also devastated parts of Bangkok, where at least 18 were confirmed dead. Myanmar state television reported more than 2,065 fatalities, with thousands more injured and several hundred missing.
The situation is dire, with relief teams struggling to reach isolated regions where communication remains cut off, hinting that the death toll could climb higher. In Thailand’s capital, search efforts continued with urgency to locate 78 people who remain unaccounted for. As the critical 72-hour period after the disaster came to a close, Bangkok officials remained hopeful, having initially detected signs of life beneath the debris. Yet, only one survivor had been rescued.
Tavida Kamolvej, Bangkok’s deputy governor, addressed the press at the disaster zone, emphasizing the urgency, “Every second really counts.” Among those missing are family members of Chanpen Kaewnoi, who was aware her mother and sister had been working at the construction site. A survivor recounted to Chanpen that her loved ones were on the fifth floor when the building collapsed, leaving her in a state of anguish.
On the 26th floor, Naruemon’s partner, Kyi Tan, and his collegial group took on their assignments. This was Tan’s first experience working on such a towering project despite his extensive background in construction. Committed to completing his work by month’s end, he had informed Naruemon of his late departure that fateful morning.
Neither Naruemon nor Chanpen noted any safety concerns voiced by their relatives in connection to the project. The devastating collapse has prompted officials to investigate potential causes as public unease mounts regarding the safety standards of Bangkok’s buildings. In response, city governor Chadchart Sittipunt has mandated comprehensive inspections of all high-rise buildings in the city.
Footage of the collapse revealed the tragic sequence of events, capturing the building, intended to be the State Audit Office, as it shook and eventually fell, creating a dust cloud while bystanders fled in panic. Visiting the site the day after the disaster, Naruemon was overwhelmed by the destruction, “I had a meltdown. I could only pray,” she said, continuing to make fervent calls for her loved ones.
For two agonizing days, she lingered near the scene with family and friends, seeking any glimmer of hope amid the rubble recovery operations. During this time, she sought spiritual solace, performing religious rites for those still entrapped. “I want everyone trapped there to be found. In whatever conditions, I’m ok with it,” she expressed, demonstrating a mixed acceptance of reality while clinging to the hope of a miracle.