Thailand's Stock Exchange Suspends Trading As Twin Earthquakes Jolt Myanmar

A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck near the Myanmar-Thailand border on Friday, sending tremors rippling through Bangkok and forcing the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) to halt all afternoon trading. The quake - followed by a 6.4 magnitude aftershock-triggered panic, a high-rise collapse, and mass evacuations across the Thai capital.

Trading Suspended as Quake Rocks Markets

The SET announced an immediate suspension of all trading, including the main index, alternative investments (MAI), and futures exchange (TFEX). The benchmark SET index had already dropped 1.05% to a one-week low (1,175.45 points) amid broader pressures from new U.S. auto tariffs before the quake hit.

"Following the earthquake incident, the Stock Exchange of Thailand hereby announces the immediate suspension of all trading activities," Reuters quoted the bourse operator as saying on its website.

"The closure affects all markets, including SET, the Market for Alternative Investment (MAI), and the Thailand Futures Exchange (TFEX), for today's afternoon session."

Chaos in Bangkok: Collapse, Gridlock, and Evacuations

A multi-story building under construction near Chatuchak Market collapsed, sending a massive dust cloud into the air. Casualty numbers remain unknown as rescue teams scramble to the site.

Dramatic footage on social media captured the structure crumbling as bystanders screamed and fled.

Skytrain and subway services were shut down, worsening Bangkok's notorious traffic as thousands evacuated offices, malls, and apartments.

Tourists and locals described scenes of panic: "The whole building was swaying- people ran down escalators, debris was falling," said Fraser Morton, a Scottish tourist caught in a shopping mall.

Bangkok authorities declared a disaster zone to streamline emergency response. Evacuees crowded into parks like Benjasiri Park, frantically calling loved ones while eyeing swaying high-rises.

Quake Details

The shallow quake (10 km depth) originated in Myanmar, per the U.S. Geological Survey. While Thailand avoided a direct hit, the tremors exposed vulnerabilities in one of Southeast Asia's busiest cities.