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CNN
28-03-2025
- Politics
- CNN
Myanmar's military junta makes rare plea for help after powerful earthquake kills scores with toll expected to rise
Bangkok, Thailand CNN — A 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit the heart of war-ravaged Myanmar of Friday, killing scores of people and prompting the country's military junta to make a rare plea for international assistance. The earthquake cut through a vast and varied corner of Southeast Asia, sending terrifying tremors through rural villages caught in the middle of Myanmar's civil war all the way to the glitzy high-rises of the traffic-filled Thai capital Bangkok. Shaking was even felt across the border in China's southwestern remote and mountainous Yunnan province. At least 144 people have been killed and more than 730 injured, the head of Myanmar's military government said late Friday evening. Deaths have also been reported in Thailand. Having largely shut the country off from the world during its four years of civil war, Min Aung Hlaing – the leader of Myanmar's military government – declared a state of emergency and issued an 'open invitation to any organizations and nations willing to come and help the people in need within our country,' adding the toll was likely to rise. With electricity and internet down in parts of Myanmar, Hlaing's unexpected call for help is a measure of the devastation the quake has wrought in the country his junta has helped turn into a pariah state. Rescue efforts are likely to vary hugely between the two countries. Myanmar, one of Asia's poorest nations, has a long and troubled track record of struggling to respond to major natural disasters. In contrast, neighboring Thailand is far more prosperous and a major tourist destination, with well-resourced and experienced rescue teams. The quake was felt hundreds of miles from the epicenter near the city of Mandalay in northern Myanmar. Erik Honan, a US citizen visiting a friend in the southern Thai city of Pattaya, said when he saw items begin to slide on a coffee table early Friday, he 'knew immediately what it was.' 'Mother Nature was having its way – like swatting a fly,' Honan told CNN. Video posted online showed panicked residents across Myanmar and Thailand running from swaying residential towers as dust fills the air, and traffic comes to a sudden stop on busy city streets. On Friday evening, streams of stationary cars and motorbikes could be seen at the Ratchaprasong intersection in central Bangkok after the quake disrupted key transport links. The BTS Skytrain service was temporarily shuttered to allow for safety inspections, according to a post on X. Two lines have since resumed service, and others will open Saturday morning, the service said. At least 10 people were killed, 16 injured and 101 missing from three construction sites in the Din Daeng, Bang Sue and Chatuchak districts of the Thai capital, as of 10 p.m. local time (11 on Friday, according to Deputy Bangkok Governor Tavida Kamolvej. Authorities in Bangkok also advised residents of two buildings in the city to evacuate after they sustained damage in the quake. One building was in the Chatuchak district, while the other was in Phra Khanong. Both will be inspected for damage, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration said. The administration added that it had received nearly 1,000 reports of 'structural concerns' across the city following the quake and a team of engineers will assess cases based on severity, with three high-risk cases identified so far. The structural assessments will ramp up on Saturday morning. In addition, five public parks and six temporary shelters have been opened for residents to seek refuge, with police and city officials being deployed to maintain safety, the administration said. Earlier, Thailand's prime minister also declared an 'emergency zone' in Bangkok after the quake triggered the collapse of an under-construction high-rise building near the city's Chatuchak Park. Sunan Kenkiat, a 31-year-old construction worker at the site, described his narrow escape from the building before it pancaked. 'It was shaking and I felt dizzy,' Kenkiat told CNN. 'After that, debris like cement pieces started falling down, and the shaking got stronger, so I shouted for everyone to run.' 'Disaster on top of disaster' for Myanmar Myanmar is already reeling from four years of civil war sparked by a bloody and economically destructive military coup, which has seen junta forces battle rebel groups across the country. The coup and ensuing conflict has battered its health infrastructure, leaving it ill-equipped to deal with major natural disasters. Swathes of the country lie outside the control of the junta and are a run by a patchwork of ethnic rebels and militias, making compiling reliable information extremely difficult. 'Almost 80% of the country is outside of the control (of the military), and then they are controlled by different ethnic armed groups,' a country director for an international NGO operating there told CNN. 'They're controlled by the PDF (People's Defense Force) under the NUG (National Unity Government), so you can't have a full picture of what is going on.' Reports on the damage are still emerging and it could be weeks before the full extent of the devastation is known, but it's likely to be 'severe,' according to the International Rescue Committee's Myanmar director. The limited amount of available information is partly due to communication lines being down and transport being disrupted, Mohamed Riyas said in a statement. The rescue chief added that the 'damage to infrastructure and homes, loss of life, and injuries sustained by communities affected should not be underestimated.' Amnesty International has urged the ruling junta to allow aid groups to enter freely, saying the quake 'could not come at a worse time' for the war-ravaged country. Tom Andrew, the United Nations special rapporteur for Myanmar, said the quake would pile 'a disaster on top of a disaster.' With more than 20 million people already in need of humanitarian aid and some 3.5 million internally displaced, 'I shudder to think what will be happening in the next few days as rescue operations kick in,' Andrews told CNN. A resident of Mandalay told CNN they weren't sure they would survive the quake. 'The quake was very powerful, we could not run out of the building immediately,' said Tun Kyaw, 26, asking to use a pseudonym. 'It was like the whole building was going to collapse. I was not sure I would get out alive.' The quake hit around 12:50 p.m. local time close to Mandalay, the former royal capital that is home to about 1.5 million people and boasts a host of historic temple complexes and palaces. Several aftershocks have since struck nearby, including one of 6.4-magnitude, according to the United States Geological Survey. The epicenter was recorded in Myanmar's central Sagaing region, which has been ravaged by the civil war, with the junta, pro-military militia and rebel groups battling for control and all running checkpoints, making travel by road or river extremely difficult. Sagaing is largely rural with dwellings mostly built with wood and thatch. Communications in the area are typically patchy due to intermittent fighting between the junta and rebel groups. In the town of Taungoo, 70 miles south of the capital Naypyidaw, three people were killed after a mosque partially collapsed, Reuters reported. One resident in Yangon, Myanmar's commercial hub and around 380 miles away from the epicenter, told CNN: 'We felt the quake for about one minute and then we ran out of the building.' 'We saw other people running out of the buildings too. It was very sudden and very strong.' Another resident said phone networks in the city home to around 8 million people were briefly down following the quake, but were now working again. A Yangon resident named Wang, who was on the 20th floor of a building when the quake hit, said 'people next to me were all scared to death.' 'The quake felt so strong, and lasted really long,' said Wang, who did not want to give her first name. Video obtained by CNN from Myanmar appeared to show a road bridge spanning the Irrawaddy River, which runs through Mandalay, collapsing into the river in a cloud of dust and water. This story has been updated with developments.
CNN
28-03-2025
- Politics
- CNN
Myanmar's military junta makes rare plea for help after powerful earthquake kills scores
A 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit the heart of war-ravaged Myanmar of Friday, killing scores of people and prompting the country's military junta to make a rare plea for international assistance. The earthquake cut through a vast and varied corner of Southeast Asia, sending terrifying tremors through rural villages caught in the middle of Myanmar's civil war all the way to the glitzy high-rises of the traffic-filled Thai capital Bangkok. Shaking was even felt across the border in China's southwestern remote and mountainous Yunnan province. At least 144 people have been killed and more than 730 injured, the head of Myanmar's military government said late Friday evening. Deaths have also been reported in Thailand. Having largely shut the country off from the world during its four years of civil war, Min Aung Hlaing – the leader of Myanmar's military government – declared a state of emergency and issued an 'open invitation to any organizations and nations willing to come and help the people in need within our country,' adding the toll was likely to rise. With electricity and internet down in parts of Myanmar, Hlaing's unexpected call for help is a measure of the devastation the quake has wrought in the country his junta has helped turn into a pariah state. Rescue efforts are likely to vary hugely between the two countries. Myanmar, one of Asia's poorest nations, has a long and troubled track record of struggling to respond to major natural disasters. In contrast, neighboring Thailand is far more prosperous and a major tourist destination, with well-resourced and experienced rescue teams. The quake was felt hundreds of miles from the epicenter near the city of Mandalay in northern Myanmar. Erik Honan, a US citizen visiting a friend in the southern Thai city of Pattaya, said when he saw items begin to slide on a coffee table early Friday, he 'knew immediately what it was.' 'Mother Nature was having its way – like swatting a fly,' Honan told CNN. Video posted online showed panicked residents across Myanmar and Thailand running from swaying residential towers as dust fills the air, and traffic comes to a sudden stop on busy city streets. On Friday evening, streams of stationary cars and motorbikes could be seen at the Ratchaprasong intersection in central Bangkok after the quake disrupted key transport links. The BTS Skytrain service was temporarily shuttered to allow for safety inspections, according to a post on X. Two lines have since resumed service, and others will open Saturday morning, the service said. At least 10 people were killed, 16 injured and 101 missing from three construction sites in the Din Daeng, Bang Sue and Chatuchak districts of the Thai capital, as of 10 p.m. local time (11 on Friday, according to Deputy Bangkok Governor Tavida Kamolvej. Authorities in Bangkok also advised residents of two buildings in the city to evacuate after they sustained damage in the quake. One building was in the Chatuchak district, while the other was in Phra Khanong. Both will be inspected for damage, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration said. The administration added that it had received nearly 1,000 reports of 'structural concerns' across the city following the quake and a team of engineers will assess cases based on severity, with three high-risk cases identified so far. The structural assessments will ramp up on Saturday morning. In addition, five public parks and six temporary shelters have been opened for residents to seek refuge, with police and city officials being deployed to maintain safety, the administration said. Earlier, Thailand's prime minister also declared an 'emergency zone' in Bangkok after the quake triggered the collapse of an under-construction high-rise building near the city's Chatuchak Park. Sunan Kenkiat, a 31-year-old construction worker at the site, described his narrow escape from the building before it pancaked. 'It was shaking and I felt dizzy,' Kenkiat told CNN. 'After that, debris like cement pieces started falling down, and the shaking got stronger, so I shouted for everyone to run.' Myanmar is already reeling from four years of civil war sparked by a bloody and economically destructive military coup, which has seen junta forces battle rebel groups across the country. The coup and ensuing conflict has battered its health infrastructure, leaving it ill-equipped to deal with major natural disasters. Swathes of the country lie outside the control of the junta and are a run by a patchwork of ethnic rebels and militias, making compiling reliable information extremely difficult. 'Almost 80% of the country is outside of the control (of the military), and then they are controlled by different ethnic armed groups,' a country director for an international NGO operating there told CNN. 'They're controlled by the PDF (People's Defense Force) under the NUG (National Unity Government), so you can't have a full picture of what is going on.' Reports on the damage are still emerging and it could be weeks before the full extent of the devastation is known, but it's likely to be 'severe,' according to the International Rescue Committee's Myanmar director. The limited amount of available information is partly due to communication lines being down and transport being disrupted, Mohamed Riyas said in a statement. The rescue chief added that the 'damage to infrastructure and homes, loss of life, and injuries sustained by communities affected should not be underestimated.' Amnesty International has urged the ruling junta to allow aid groups to enter freely, saying the quake 'could not come at a worse time' for the war-ravaged country. Tom Andrew, the United Nations special rapporteur for Myanmar, said the quake would pile 'a disaster on top of a disaster.' With more than 20 million people already in need of humanitarian aid and some 3.5 million internally displaced, 'I shudder to think what will be happening in the next few days as rescue operations kick in,' Andrews told CNN. A resident of Mandalay told CNN they weren't sure they would survive the quake. 'The quake was very powerful, we could not run out of the building immediately,' said Tun Kyaw, 26, asking to use a pseudonym. 'It was like the whole building was going to collapse. I was not sure I would get out alive.' The quake hit around 12:50 p.m. local time close to Mandalay, the former royal capital that is home to about 1.5 million people and boasts a host of historic temple complexes and palaces. Several aftershocks have since struck nearby, including one of 6.4-magnitude, according to the United States Geological Survey. The epicenter was recorded in Myanmar's central Sagaing region, which has been ravaged by the civil war, with the junta, pro-military militia and rebel groups battling for control and all running checkpoints, making travel by road or river extremely difficult. Sagaing is largely rural with dwellings mostly built with wood and thatch. Communications in the area are typically patchy due to intermittent fighting between the junta and rebel groups. In the town of Taungoo, 70 miles south of the capital Naypyidaw, three people were killed after a mosque partially collapsed, Reuters reported. One resident in Yangon, Myanmar's commercial hub and around 380 miles away from the epicenter, told CNN: 'We felt the quake for about one minute and then we ran out of the building.' 'We saw other people running out of the buildings too. It was very sudden and very strong.' Another resident said phone networks in the city home to around 8 million people were briefly down following the quake, but were now working again. A Yangon resident named Wang, who was on the 20th floor of a building when the quake hit, said 'people next to me were all scared to death.' 'The quake felt so strong, and lasted really long,' said Wang, who did not want to give her first name. Video obtained by CNN from Myanmar appeared to show a road bridge spanning the Irrawaddy River, which runs through Mandalay, collapsing into the river in a cloud of dust and water. This story has been updated with developments. CNN's Lex Harvey, Todd Symons, Edward Szekeres, Hassan Tayir, Manveena Suri, Chris Lau, Rob Picheta, Lauren Kent, Billy Stockwell and Lauren Said-Moorhouse contributed reporting.
Listly
07-03-2025
- Listly
The Best Areas to Stay in Bangkok - From Khao San to Sukhumvit
For a contrasting experience, Sukhumvit is one of Bangkok's most cosmopolitan neighbourhoods, home to luxury hotels, trendy restaurants, and upscale nightlife. It's a favourite for expats and affluent travellers who enjoy a blend of modern amenities and local culture. Thanks to its location in the newer area of Bangkok, Sukhumvit's vast stretch is connected by the BTS Skytrain, making it incredibly convenient for getting around the city. For instance, hotels in Asoke Bangkok, such as boutique spots like Gardina Asoke, are just around the corner from the Asoke BTS Station. This area is also home to popular spots like Soi 11, known for its nightlife, and high-end shopping malls such as Terminal 21 and EmQuartier. Food lovers will appreciate the variety of dining options, from Michelin-starred restaurants to hidden street food gems. Sukhumvit's versatility makes it perfect for families, couples, and discerning travellers wanting a taste of metropolitan luxury.
Associated Press
28-02-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Explore the Best Condominium Deals in Bangkok: For Sale and Rent
02/28/2025, Bangkok // KISS PR Brand Story PressWire // Prospective condominium buyers confront various challenges coupled with exciting prospects in the condominium market throughout central Bangkok. The city's intense real estate operation offers different property solutions to suit the way you live and achieve your financial aims while meeting your individual requirements. The lively Southeast Asian metropolis maintains all elements that meet requirements of both residential and real estate investment stakeholders while providing top-value elegant services within an accessible environment. A detailed examination of the condominium market structure of Bangkok forms the basis of this analysis. Whether you're drawn to the high rental yields or the appeal of living close to prime shopping, dining, and entertainment areas, here's your comprehensive guide to navigating the best deals of Bangkok condominium for sale and Bangkok condominium for rent. What Sets the Condominium Sector of Bangkok Apart? Worldwide and domestic investors have consistently considered the Bangkok condominium market for investment purposes. Here's why the city is such a hot spot for buyers and renters: Accessibility: Condominium buildings claim convenient positions because BTS Skytrain and MRT metro lines exist in each corner. Urban residents experience fast travel preparations together with easy transportation access to reach entire parts of the city. Affordable Luxury: Condominiums throughout Bangkok offer luxurious features at prices that outcompete those found in Tokyo and Singapore. Everyone seeking to rent a studio unit or buy a classic penthouse will discover exceptional value in their property investment. Steady Investment Opportunities: Bangkok's rental market stays active because most residents choose locations that attract both locals and international professionals. Real estate investors doing business in Sukhumvit report annual returns of 8% alongside property investment benefits. Breaking Down Bangkok's Best Neighborhoods: A suitable residential district functions as the core decision factor in Bangkok condominium purchase deals and rental ventures. Let's explore some of the most popular neighborhoods based on lifestyle and budget: 1. Sukhumvit: Life in Sukhumvit follows an urban style living here have access to Bangkok's best restaurants beside retail shopping and nightlife hotspots. For all travelers heading to Bangkok, EmQuartier mall and Terminal 21 shopping complex are essential stops on your itinerary. Sukhumvit neighborhood welcomes residents from each demographic including foreign workers and career specialists and local families. Who Should Choose Sukhumvit: Professionals who live abroad along with expatriate workers enjoy upscale living as well as energetic city experiences within this metropolitan space. 2. Sathorn-Silom: Sathorn and Silom serve as Bangkok's financial district. People who buy homes for work find contemporary houses in close proximity to their workplace throughout these neighborhoods. Who Should Choose Sathorn-Silom: Executive and professional workers in the financial industry can find an ideal home within this area. 3. Thonglor and Ekkamai: Residents who want vibrant city lifestyles should pick Thonglor and Ekkamai due to their luxurious modern and stylish locations. Residents who prefer indulging in restaurant dining, shopping at fashionable boutiques, commit their nightlife to elegant districts. Who Should Choose Thonglor-Ekkamai: High-net-worth individuals, influencers, and lifestyle enthusiasts. 4. Rama IX: Rama IX has evolved into a neighborhood that matches affordable home prices with convenient accessibility to important destinations throughout the city due to its strategic location and ongoing construction development. Thus the area now welcomes both working professionals and property investors. Who Should Choose Rama IX: The district welcomes first-time home purchasers for property investment entry points while meeting the needs of investors seeking money appreciation through real estate holdings. Top condominiums for sale in Bangkok: Residents looking to buy condominiums in Bangkok must examine these leading real estate options. Property buyers who secure the perfect Bangkok condominium in a favorable neighborhood will see ample profit returns. Here are some excellent choices to consider: 1. Ashton Asoke: A modern high-rise building positions both the BTS Asok station and MRT Sukhumvit station at walking distance from its premises. Why Consider It: Central location with resort-like amenities. 2. Life Ladprao: Access to economic benefits and luxurious living emerges from this condominium's mid-priced category. Why Consider It: Outstanding rental income opportunities result from the proximity of shopping centers and MRT stations. 3. The River by Raimon Land: A luxurious property on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Why Consider It: The property's riverfront location offers restaurants with elegant dining options for residents who live nearby. Best Condos for Rent in Bangkok: Residents benefit from indefinite flexibility by choosing to rent their condominium property in Bangkok. This property provides luxury amenities from a favorable city location but does not impose real estate obligations on residents. 1. Edge Sukhumvit 23: Its enviable geographical position makes this modern skyscraper building the preferred housing type for international residents in the area. Features: The facilities at this residence include both co-working areas and infinity pool as well as fitness facilities for its occupants. 2. Park Origin Thonglor: People are drawn to the modern luxury combined with impressive interiors this marvelous property showcases. Features: Residents of this luxury condominium receive spa treatments as well as smart technology features built within spacious gardens. 3. Q Langsuan: Luxury lifestyle features and superb facilities make up the entire facilities package. Features: Sauna, children's play area, and proximity to Lumpini Park. Guide for best condominium deals: Obtain an excellent deal by following this guided process. Research alongside the preparation of timing your purchases represent absolute requirements to secure the best condo deal possible. Here's a step-by-step guide: 1. Set a Realistic Budget: Begin condo searching with a budget you have constructed to match your desired financial plan. International condo buyers must fully understand all the costs involved including transfer fees and maintenance fees and taxes for the property before making their purchase. Before selecting your future rental home you need to create a plan that covers upfront expenses and security deposits. 2. Identify Priorities: What's non-negotiable for you? By establishing essential preferences about public transport options and luxurious living features you can narrow your house hunting efforts. 3. Leverage Technology: You should begin your property search at Hipflat and FazWaz to compare listings while seeking reputable listing portals. 4. Work with a Real Estate Agent: Real estate agents make use of their localized expertise combined with their negotiation abilities to present suitable investment choices. Real estate agents serve as the point of contact for every step of property transactions starting with negotiations through complete contract administration. Investing in Bangkok's Condominium Market: One needs to observe the busy nature of Bangkok's real estate sector when making property rental investment plans. The residential market in Sukhumvit and Silom appeals to foreign residents and professionals and students who maintain solid rental values. Key Benefits for Investors: Consistent Rental Income: The rental sector operates reliably because foreign residents commonly opt to rent their properties. Capital Growth: The properties in Rama IX District and Bang Na space experience steady growth as more investors select these specific areas. Foreign Ownership Laws: Foreign buyers avoid complicated legal procedures when they pursue condominium purchases and have unobstructed rights to purchase condominiums in Thailand. Conclusion: Bangkok's residential condominium market serves every household income through its mixture of both expensive sky-high apartments and economical units for new buyers. With this systematic approach to preference choices, you will find your best-fit Bangkok condominium interior. Embark on your travel journey to Bangkok right now and access its exceptional attractions. is Thailand's leading property platform, offering up-to-date listings for properties available for sale and rent. Whether you're looking for a condominium in Bangkok or other real estate options, you'll find comprehensive details, including location, price, size, room types, high-quality images, and more—all in one place.
