Residents of Bangkok became alert as tremors were felt in many areas across the city, including the Anti-Money Laundering Office building, where people were evacuated after a 5.3 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar.
On 18 May 2026 at 09:05 GMT+7, a 5.3 magnitude earthquake was reported off Myanmar's southern coast near the Irrawaddy River mouth close to Yangon. This caused noticeable tremors in many areas of Bangkok and its suburbs, especially in tall buildings where occupants felt swaying and swinging light fixtures.
Initial reports indicated that the Anti-Money Laundering Office building clearly felt the tremors, prompting officials to promptly evacuate personnel for safety and to inspect the building's structure and internal systems.
Although the earthquake's epicenter was distant from Thailand, the soft clay soil characteristic of Bangkok amplified the tremors, allowing residents in many areas to perceive the shaking.