A massive 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit SE Asia today around 1:30 PM local time. The epicenter was in nearby Myanmar, but it was felt at least as far away as Bangkok. One building that looked like it was under construction in Bangkok collapsed. Water from rooftop swimming pools was said to have splashed on the streets below during the shaking. Enough chaos has ensued that Thailand’s Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has declared a state of emergency in Bangkok. What we know of the building collapse is that one person was killed and 43 are missing. The skytrain services going through Bangkok are also temporarily suspended while everything is inspected. However, Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok remains open. Inspections of the airport found no damage and air traffic remains uninterrupted.

I am currently in Ayutthaya, which is approximately 77km north of Bangkok. To me, the earthquake felt like a subtle rocking side-to-side motion. Standing still felt like I was drunk, but it wasn’t necessarily scary or unpleasant. However, understanding that you’re in the middle of an earthquake and that it could get a lot worse means you get your ass to safety. Since I was at work when it struck, I followed my Thai colleagues outside and we waited for the all clear to return back to the office. When we got word that aftershocks had been reported and that they were likely to start soon, all teachers and students were released from work and sent home.

When I got back to my place, the only noticeable difference from when I left in the morning was the bathroom door was closed. Nothing else was disturbed. Several of my neighbors were sitting outside, so I stopped to ask if they were okay. They said they were, but they were scared to go back inside for the moment. One of them was an old woman, who lived through a couple of earthquakes in her life. As she said, she just feels safer outside for the moment. They also asked if I was okay. I told them I was at work when the earthquake hit, but there was no damage.

Life in Ayutthaya seems to be returning back to normal quick enough. As for me, I’m okay. After I inspected my abode, I changed from my work clothes into my street clothes. Another Thai neighbor stopped by to make sure I was alright. I said I was and thanked them for checking on me. In another hour or so, I’ll go out to dinner just like I normally would. I’ll carry on with life just like everyone else.

The Thai people are close in ways that I have never experienced before. It’s just understood that everyone is a part of the group and has a responsibility to that group. They’re like neighbors who watch each other’s places when they’re not home, only a little more intimate. It’s one of those things that makes Thailand and the Thai people very special. Still, after a disaster, everyone feels the weight of what just happened. They take that extra step to ensure everyone continues to be alright.

That’s all that I have at the moment on the matter. If things change, I will let everyone know. Thank you again for following along on all of my journeys. I’m humbled that you’re still with me. Until next time, please take care of yourself, look out for each other, and stay curious!