Thailand declares state of emergency in Bangkok after Myanmar quake

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced on Friday a state of emergency in Bangkok, capital of Thailand, after a strong earthquake.

A 7.9-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar at 2:20 pm Friday (Beijing Time), according to the China Earthquake Networks Center.

Powerful tremors were felt in neighboring countries, including China and Thailand.

The State Audit building, which was under construction in Chatuchak district, Bangkok, completely collapsed due to earthquake tremors, according to Khaosod news portal.

Thailand's stock exchange suspended trading after the earthquake.

"Following the earthquake incident, the Stock Exchange of Thailand hereby announces the immediate suspension of all trading activities," the bourse operator said on its website.

"The closure affects all markets, including SET, the Market for Alternative Investment (MAI), and the Thailand Futures Exchange (TFEX), for today's afternoon session."

This reporter of China Daily in Bangkok, was having lunch when suddenly everything started shaking. The shake continued for a few seconds, paused briefly, and then resumed for another ten or more seconds. It was intense.

After running out to a parking lot nearby, Yang said she could see streetlight on an elevated expressway, which was about 100 meters away from her, shaking violently.