Explaining the Frequent Earthquakes in Myanmar: Experts Point Out They Are 200 km from the Sagaing Fault and Confirm No Impact on Thailand

Experts have explained the cause of Myanmar's frequent earthquakes, noting they are about 200 km from the Sagaing Fault and affirming they do not affect Thailand. However, another fault that is still accumulating energy requires monitoring.

The Facebook page “T’ Lomfahakard” posted on social media on 2 Dec 2025 at 22:17, stating:

Warning!!! Watch for earthquake signals along the Sagaing Fault in Myanmar, which have been increasingly frequent recently. The epicenter matches that of the large earthquake on 28 March 2025.

Later, on the night of 3 Dec 2025 at 02:37, the page posted again on social media, stating:

At 01:50 on 3 Dec 2025, an earthquake occurred near Mong Khet city, Myanmar, measuring magnitude 3.6 at a depth of 10 kilometers.

This earthquake did not cause damage to buildings.

At 04:53, the page posted once more on social media, stating:

At 03:50 on 3 Dec 2025, an earthquake struck northern Sumatra, Indonesia, measuring magnitude 4.1 at a depth of 31 kilometers.

This earthquake also did not cause damage to buildings.

These posts caused widespread public concern, fearing a repeat of the March 2025 event. Many areas began closely following earthquake news and movements continuously. Discussions and debates arose about the possibility of a new event, including its size, distance, and potential impact—particularly whether this fault would affect Thailand—reflecting public interest and worry about this natural phenomenon.

The Thairath Online special news team consulted Associate Professor Dr. Phasakorn Pananon from the Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, and a researcher at the National Earthquake Research Center supported by the NSTDA and NRCT. He stated that this earthquake occurred west of the Sagaing Fault in Myanmar, about 200 kilometers from the previous major quake along that fault. It happened within a significant geological structure of the subduction zone between the Indian and Eurasian plates.

Examination shows this earthquake has not directly affected the Sagaing Fault because it did not occur on the same fault as the previous major quake. If there were an impact, it would require a large earthquake of magnitude 7 to 8 or higher to cause the fault to move and potentially affect Thailand.

However, since the major earthquake in March 2025, the Sagaing Fault has released much of its accumulated energy, so future impacts are expected to be less severe.

This fault experienced a major movement about 100 years ago and may be nearing another cycle. Although there is speculation that this fault could influence the Sagaing Fault, there is currently no clear evidence confirming such effects.

Associate Professor Dr. Phasakorn illustrated the earthquake mechanism as similar to clapping both hands together, then sliding one hand under the other and pushing it down. Earthquakes occur along this subduction zone, which is another major seismic zone in Myanmar. It is roughly as long as the Sagaing Fault and experiences periodic earthquakes.

Nevertheless, this fault line has shown increased activity in the past one to two days and should be closely monitored.

A particular concern is the southern part of the Sagaing Fault near the coast, which has not moved for a long time. The March 2025 event indicates that area may be accumulating energy. Researchers are studying whether a future movement could occur there.

Earthquakes are natural disasters beyond human control. Although some prediction is possible, exact timing cannot be specified. Excessive worry can harm mental health. It is important to follow updates from relevant agencies regularly and prepare household safety measures. Structures that are not strong should be improved or reinforced to safely withstand potential earthquakes.