Key Points
Tourists stranded without transport during emergency closures
Terrifying moments in shaking high-rise hotels
Panic in crowded markets during tremors
Construction collapse casualties reported in Bangkok
Bharati Khurana told ANI that due to the emergency closure of all commercial spaces, they were not able to get taxis to the airport to return home at first.
"The situation is fine now, but yesterday it was very bad, where we went out in the market as well but they had closed it due to the emergency, we could go to market. We had a lot of trouble there, then we could not get any taxi at that time. Even emergency vehicles were not found. Before we could not even get a taxi to come to the airport," the tourist told ANI at Delhi airport.
Pranav, another Indian tourist who went to Bangkok remembered how everyone started running away when the hotel they were in started to shake violently.
"When we were inside the building, we were the entire building was shaken, then everyone ran away. Everyone was sitting for at least two hours in the situation. We were in the Prince Pace hotel at the 24th floor, and the building started shaking violently," he told ANI.
Another international tourist, who was in Chinatown in Bangkok at the time told ANI how everyone was panicking the second tremors were felt.
"I was actually in Chinatown, which is another place to shop. All of a sudden, the floor started moving, so I was looking down, and then everybody started screaming, panicking, and everybody tried to exit the market in these little narrow passages," the tourist, John said.
Remembering the collapse of buildings around them, he added, "We were all pretty scared, running, screaming, pushing to get out of the building. Nothing happened in that market in Chinatown. But as we can see here in Chatuchak, it was a different story... I'm not too sure what building that was. It was under construction and, I guess, 30-storey high. We saw the pictures of the collapse, so I'm sure there's a lot of people under this rubble."
Earlier, the under construction building collapsed in front of JJ Mall in Chatuchak market in Thailand's capital after the 7.7 earthquake which occurred in Myanmar's Mandalay, and felt across Thailand, China and Vietnam.
As many as 10 people died, 16 people were injured, and 101 others were missing at three construction sites in Bangkok, including the collapse of a 30-storey government building, according to Bangkok Deputy Governor Tavida Kamolvej, Bangkok Post reported.
Comments:
Priya M.
That must have been absolutely terrifying! I can't imagine being on the 24th floor when the building starts shaking 😱 Hope everyone makes it home safely.
Rahul K.
I was in Bangkok during the 2011 floods and the panic is real. The authorities need better emergency response plans for tourists - taxis should be available during crises.
Anjali P.
My heart goes out to all affected. The building collapse sounds horrific. Makes me rethink traveling during earthquake seasons in that region.
Vikram S.
While the experiences sound scary, I wonder if some panic could have been avoided with better earthquake preparedness drills in hotels and public spaces.
Meena R.
Thank goodness they're safe! My cousin was supposed to be in Bangkok this week but changed plans last minute. What a relief!
