Earthquake in Myanmar and Collapse of Chinese-Built High-Rise in Thailand

The official death toll from a magnitude 7.7 earthquake in Myanmar has surpassed 1,700 with many more casualties likely. The country was already in crisis due to political instability and armed conflicts. Humanitarian and relief efforts are hindered by the ongoing civil war. A high-rise office building in Thailand collapsed during the earthquake, killing at least ten people and trapping others.

Myanmar Earthquake Rescue Efforts

Chinese rescuers lead international effort in Myanmar earthquake rescue, while US largely absent. US cuts to foreign aid criticized for allowing China and Russia to increase global influence. Myanmar military government invites international assistance amidst civil war. Thailand sends help despite dealing with its own casualties.

Earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand

Crews in Myanmar and Thailand are searching for survivors after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck the region. NBC News International Correspondent Janis Mackey Frayer reports from Bangkok.

Earthquake in Southeast Asia

A 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Southeast Asia caused significant death and destruction in Myanmar and Thailand, with over 1,600 confirmed dead and many more injured or missing. Rescue efforts are underway with international aid being sent to assist. The earthquake was caused by the release of strain on the Sagaing Fault line.

Massive Earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand

Emergency aid is being sent to Southeast Asia following a massive earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand, with relief efforts focused on Myanmar where the death toll is rising. Several countries and organizations are providing supplies, personnel, and monetary support to help with rescue and relief efforts.

Earthquake in Burma and Thailand

An earthquake in Burma and Thailand caused a devastating collapse of an apartment building, resulting in a death toll of more than 1,650 victims. The quake also caused significant damage to infrastructure, buildings, and bridges in the region, with ongoing rescue efforts and assistance from various countries.

Thailand and Myanmar Earthquake

A 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Thailand and Myanmar has caused over 1,000 deaths, with rescue operations ongoing. Celebrities from 'The White Lotus' cast, including Patrick Schwarzenegger, are sending prayers to the victims. The quake disrupted power supplies and transport services, prompting multiple countries to send rescue teams.

Thailand-Myanmar Earthquake

A massive earthquake in Thailand and Myanmar has left thousands feared dead, with officials warning it could be the worst quake death toll ever. Rescuers are racing against time to dig out survivors trapped under collapsed buildings.

Earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand

A powerful earthquake hit Myanmar and Thailand, resulting in significant damage and casualties, with at least 144 reported dead in Myanmar and 10 dead in Bangkok. The earthquake also caused a high-rise building collapse in Bangkok, leaving many missing or injured. The extent of destruction is still being assessed, with concerns about reaching affected areas in Myanmar due to existing humanitarian crises.

Earthquake in Southeast Asia

A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Southeast Asia caused extensive death and destruction, with thousands feared dead. The quake rocked Myanmar and Thailand, toppling buildings and claiming numerous lives. Rescue operations are underway amid widespread devastation.

Earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand

A 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar and Thailand causing buildings to collapse and people to run in fear. Thousands feared dead, with the USGS issuing a red alert estimating deaths between 1,000 and 10,000. Significant damage reported in both countries.

Earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand

Multiple people are dead after a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar and affected neighboring Thailand. The prime minister of Thailand has called Bangkok “a disaster zone.”

Earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand

A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar and Thailand, causing significant damage and casualties in Bangkok. The earthquake also affected neighboring regions, with reports of collapsed buildings, injuries, and missing persons. The aftermath of the earthquake led to a state of emergency being declared in multiple regions, including the capital Naypyitaw and Mandalay, with urgent calls for blood donations and humanitarian aid.

Thailand Earthquake Transforms Bangkok's Infinity Pools into Waterfalls

A catastrophic 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Thailand caused Bangkok's luxury hotel rooftop infinity pools to turn into waterfalls, resulting in multiple deadly hazards and structural damage. The incident has raised safety concerns and highlighted the power of nature in even the most luxurious settings.

Earthquake in Thailand and Myanmar

A 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Thailand and Myanmar caused a high-rise building to collapse in Bangkok, resulting in casualties and widespread damage. Myanmar declared a state of emergency in multiple regions. The earthquake also affected China, causing injuries and damage to buildings.

Thailand's Deportation of Uyghurs to China and Political Landscape

Thailand deported Uyghurs to China, drawing international criticism due to China's persecution of Uyghurs classified as genocide by the U.S. Thailand's political landscape has shifted over the years, but some aspects remain the same, such as restrictions on speech rights and use of lèse-majesté laws to silence critics. Recent events show a mix of progress and regression in Thailand's history.

Discovery of Oldest Human Skeleton in Thailand

Archaeologists in Thailand have discovered the oldest human skeleton ever found in the country, dated to over 29,000 years old. The child's burial in Din Cave challenges previous understandings of human history in the region, offering insights into ancient rituals and daily lives.

Thailand's Deportation of Uyghurs to China

The United States condemned Thailand for deporting 40 Uyghurs to China, risking imprisonment and torture. The U.S. urged Thailand to protect the Uyghurs' rights. China's abuse of Uyghurs has been denounced as genocide. The deportation violated international laws and human rights principles. Thailand's action was criticized by various organizations and officials, including the U.S. House Select Committee on Chinese Communist Party.

Thailand Deportation of Uyghurs to China

The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok warns of potential violent retaliatory attacks after Thailand deported 45 Uyghurs to China, sparking condemnation from Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rubio criticized the forced return, citing lack of due process rights and persecution of Uyghurs in China.

Disappearance of Nina Ng in Thailand

American tourist Nina Ng, founder of Help Me Live USA, vanished while jet skiing near Phuket, Thailand. She is a Chinese-American nurse known for humanitarian work in conflict zones.

Thailand Deports Uyghur Asylum-Seekers to China

Thailand deported 40 Uyghur asylum-seekers to China despite warnings of torture and imprisonment. Rights groups and Thai lawmakers condemned the move as a violation of human rights.

Forcible Repatriation of Uyghur Detainees from Thailand to China

More than 40 Uyghur detainees held in Thailand for over a decade have been forcibly repatriated to China, despite international objections. Activist groups and U.N. officials had urged against the move, but Thai officials proceeded with the deportation.

Online Scam Centers Bust in Myanmar

Thousands of people from various countries have been rescued from online scam centers in Myanmar and are awaiting repatriation, leading to strains on resources in Thailand. The crackdown involves Thailand, Myanmar, and China, with concerns about a possible humanitarian crisis growing.

Crackdown on Online Scam Centers in Myanmar

A new crackdown on online scam centers in Myanmar has led to over 7,000 people from around the world being held in a border town awaiting repatriation, straining resources and raising fears of a humanitarian crisis. The crackdown follows Thai Prime Minister's visit to Beijing and aims to address scam networks exploiting people through false romances, bogus investments, and illegal gambling schemes.

Bus Accident in Thailand

A chartered bus overturned in eastern Thailand, resulting in at least 18 deaths and 23 injuries due to brake failure during an overnight journey from northern to coastal Thailand.

Deadly Tour Bus Accident in Thailand

At least 18 people were killed and 23 injured in eastern Thailand after a tour bus overturned due to brake failure. The incident occurred on a downhill road. Weak enforcement of vehicle safety standards and poorly maintained roads contribute to road accidents in Thailand.

Airlift of Chinese Nationals from Online Scam Centers in Myanmar

An airlift carrying over 1,000 Chinese nationals who worked at online scam centers in Myanmar began, coordinated by Thailand, China, and Myanmar. The workers were bilking victims worldwide through false romantic ploys, bogus investments, and illegal gambling schemes. The repatriation is part of efforts to shut down these scam centers that trapped workers in virtual slavery.

Repatriation of Victims from Online Scam Centers in Myanmar

Thai army announces repatriation of 260 people rescued from online scam centers in Myanmar, believed to be victims of human trafficking. Earlier crackdown in Myanmar in 2023 led to repatriation of 45,000 Chinese nationals involved in illegal operations. Rescued individuals from 20 nationalities sent from Myanmar to Thailand for questioning and protection.

Chinese Travelers Cancel Plans to Visit Thailand Amid Kidnapping Concerns

Chinese travelers are canceling plans to visit Thailand during the Lunar New Year holiday due to concerns over the kidnapping of actor Wang Xing. This has led to a decrease in net booking volume for trips to Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries, while increasing bookings to destinations like Australia, the United Arab Emirates, and South Korea.

Thailand Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage

Thailand becomes the first country in Southeast Asia to legally recognize equal marriage, allowing hundreds of same-sex couples to tie the knot. The new legislation grants same-sex couples the same legal rights as heterosexual couples, including the right to adopt. The move was celebrated by the LGBTQ+ community and is seen as a historic day in Thailand.

Thailand Officially Recognizes Same-Sex Marriage

Thailand officially recognizes same-sex marriage, allowing almost 200 couples to register marriages at a mass wedding event in Bangkok. The new law grants LGBT couples legal and financial rights and makes Thailand the first in Southeast Asia to recognize same-sex marriage.

Legalization of Same-Sex Unions in Thailand

Thailand becomes the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex unions, with plans for over a thousand weddings in a single day.

Thailand urged not to deport Uyghurs to China

UN human rights experts urge Thailand not to send 48 Uyghurs back to China, warning of torture and irreparable harm. Thailand denies immediate deportation plans. Rights groups accuse Beijing of abuses against Uyghurs. China denies allegations.

Spanish Chef Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murder in Thailand

Spanish chef Daniel Sancho Bronchalo sentenced to life in prison for the premeditated murder of Colombian plastic surgeon Edwin Arrieta Arteaga in Thailand. Sancho dismembered the victim's body and disposed of the parts. He claimed self-defense in a scuffle that led to Arrieta's death. Sancho's father, a prominent Spanish actor, attended the court session.

New Strain of MPOX Detected in European Traveler in Thailand

A European man, 66, arrived from an unnamed African country and is suspected to have the Clade 1 variant of a more dangerous strain of mpox. Authorities in Thailand are monitoring individuals who may have been in contact with the patient.

Thailand's Prime Minister Dismissal

Thailand's Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was dismissed by the Constitutional Court for appointing a former lawyer who served jail time to his cabinet, leading to political upheaval. This is the fourth Thai premier in 16 years to be removed by the court. The decision could impact the fragile truce between political heavyweight Thaksin Shinawatra and his enemies.

Dissolution of Move Forward Party in Thailand

The progressive Move Forward Party in Thailand, which finished first in the general election, was dissolved by a court for proposing an amendment of a law against defaming the royal family. The party's executives were banned from political activity for 10 years, and a new party is set to be introduced by the former leader's supporters.

Thailand's Move Forward Party Ban

Thailand's Constitutional Court has banned the Move Forward Party for attempting to amend the law against defaming the country's royal family, citing it as a threat to the constitutional monarchy. The party's senior leaders are banned from politics for 10 years, despite being the top vote-getter in the 2023 general election.

Political Turmoil in Thailand

Thailand's Move Forward Party facing challenges due to lèse-majesté law, with politicians like Chonthicha Jangrew and former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra involved in legal battles. The country is navigating political turbulence and potential democratic setbacks.

Hotel Room Deaths in Bangkok

Six bodies, including two U.S. citizens, were found in a luxury hotel room in Bangkok, Thailand with traces of cyanide. The victims were of Vietnamese descent.

Thailand Hotel Room Deaths

Six people found dead in a Bangkok hotel room were poisoned, with cyanide being the likely substance used.

Six People Found Dead in Bangkok Hotel

Six people were found dead in a luxury hotel in Bangkok, Thailand with signs of poisoning. The victims included two Vietnamese Americans and four Vietnamese nationals. The bodies were discovered by a maid after they failed to check out and found the room locked from the inside.

Thailand Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage

Thailand lawmakers vote to legalize same-sex marriage, potentially making it the third country in Asia to permit same-sex marriage.

Marriage Equality in Thailand

Thailand passed a bill recognizing marriage equality for the LGBTQ+ community, becoming the first country in Southeast Asia and the third in Asia to allow same-sex marriage.

Thailand Senate Approves Marriage Equality Bill

Thailand's Senate approved a marriage equality bill, making it the first in Southeast Asia to enact such a law. The bill grants full legal, financial, and medical rights for marriage partners of any gender, replacing gender-specific terms with gender-neutral ones in the country's Civil and Commercial Code.

Fire at Thailand Market Kills Hundreds of Animals

A fire swept through a famous market in Thailand, killing hundreds of caged animals. No human casualties reported. Cause of fire under investigation.

Illegal Network in Thailand

Thai police seized ketamine hidden inside life-size Transformer robots in Thailand as part of breaking up a network helping foreigners stay in the country illegally. 98 foreigners, including 68 Russians, were accused of operating businesses without permits.

Indictment of Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in Thailand

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra of Thailand is facing indictment for allegedly insulting the monarchy, among other charges, in a setback to his political influence. Thaksin denies wrongdoing and has pledged loyalty to the crown. He is the highest-profile case among over 270 prosecutions under Thailand's lese-majeste law, one of the strictest in the world.

Wild Monkey Control in Lopburi, Thailand

Authorities in Lopburi, Thailand, are taking action to reduce the population of marauding wild monkeys by baiting cages with ripe tropical fruit. The monkeys have caused conflicts with humans and have become increasingly aggressive, leading to damage to property and injuries. The captured monkeys will be relocated to maintain the town's image as a monkey town.

Thailand's Cannabis Policy and Drug Seizure

Thailand plans to relist cannabis as a narcotic and issue permits only for medical and research use after Prime Minister's policy reversal. Police seized ketamine hidden inside life-size Transformer robots being sent to Taiwan.

Ketamine Seized in Thailand and Ethics Probe Against Prime Minister

Police in Thailand seized ketamine hidden inside life-size Transformer robots, while the country's Constitutional Court accepted a petition to probe the prime minister over an ethics violation. If found guilty, the prime minister could be ousted from his position.

Police Seize Ketamine Hidden in Transformer Robots in Thailand; Pro-Cannabis Advocates Oppose Government's Plan

Police seized ketamine hidden inside life-size Transformer robots in Thailand, while pro-cannabis advocates gathered to oppose the government's plan to relist cannabis as a narcotic.

Drug Trafficking Bust in Thailand

Thailand authorities seized over 700 pounds of ketamine hidden inside life-size Transformer robots that were intended to be sent to Taiwan by a woman involved in drug trafficking. The drugs were part of a larger drug smuggling operation involving transnational crime networks.

Thailand's Cannabis Legalization Reversal

The prime minister of Thailand wants to outlaw cannabis again due to concerns about children's access and increased crime, despite being the first country in Asia to legalize it two years ago. The market for cannabis was unregulated, leading to backlash and calls for restrictions on its use for medical purposes only.

Marijuana Legislation in Senate and Thailand's Cannabis Ban

Senate Democrats reintroduce marijuana legislation ahead of November elections. Prime Minister of Thailand seeks to outlaw cannabis again due to lack of regulation leading to increased crimes and availability to children. Legalization in 2022 prompted public backlash and concerns over misuse and crime. Cannabis advocates oppose rollback as it has fueled Thailand's tourism and farming sectors.

Thai Foreign Minister Resignation

Thailand's Foreign Minister abruptly resigns in dissatisfaction over being removed as one of the country's deputy prime ministers during a Cabinet reshuffle. Prime Minister respects the decision and is looking for a replacement.

King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand

King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand, the richest monarch in the world, has a net worth between $30 billion and $45 billion. He succeeded his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, and has seven children from his former wives. His youngest daughter, Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, is a fashion designer and the only child still part of the royal family. The king's current wife is Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana, whom he married in 2019.

Trial of Spanish Actor's Son for Murder in Thailand

Thailand's court begins trial of Spanish actor's son accused of killing and dismembering a Colombian surgeon on popular tourist island. Son pleads not guilty to premeditated murder but guilty to hiding the victim's body. Trial opens with witness statements.

Ferry Boat Fire on the Way to Thailand's Death Island

A ferry boat caught fire on its way to Thailand's Death Island, with terrified tourists jumping overboard. All 108 passengers and crew survived. An investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the fire.

Thailand's Same-Sex Marriage Legalization

Thailand's parliament passed a marriage equality bill, moving the country closer to legalizing same-sex marriage. The bill recognizes marriage between two people regardless of gender and grants full rights of a married couple under the country's civil and commercial code.

Thailand Marriage Equality Bill Approval

Thailand's lower house of Parliament approved a marriage equality bill making the country the first in Southeast Asia to legalize equal rights for marriage partners of any gender. The bill now goes to the Senate and then to the king for royal endorsement.

Legal Victory of Yingluck Shinawatra in Thailand

Former Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra was acquitted of mishandling funds for a government project in 2013, continuing a legal victory streak for her family. Her brother, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, was released on parole after being detained for corruption-related offenses. The ruling raised speculation about Yingluck's return to Thailand. The acquittal is seen as a sign of the rising influence of the Shinawatra family in Thai politics.

Ban on Recreational Marijuana in Thailand

Thailand's health minister announced that recreational marijuana will be banned by the end of 2024, citing negative impacts on Thai children and the potential for misuse leading to other drugs. The bill will not affect medical use. The industry has grown significantly in the past two years, but the government aims to regulate and discourage recreational use.

Global Democracy Setbacks in 2023

Democracy faced setbacks worldwide in 2023 with violence and manipulation marring elections. Freedom House downgraded Ecuador from free to partly free and upgraded Thailand from not free to partly free. Political rights and civil liberties declined in 52 countries, with only 21 countries showing improvements.