Kathie

Two 7.0 earthquakes in NE Burma, near the Thai and Lao borders, have just been reported. The amount of damage in Burma is unclear. The largest Thai city near the quakes, Chiang Rai, reports little damage.

Reports say the quake was felt in Bangkok and Hanoi. How about our Fodorites living and traveling in the region - is everyone ok?

Hanuman

We felt it in Bangkok! I was on the 14th floor of an office building and felt the swaying. Reminded me of L.A.

Kathie

I'm glad you are ok. Any damage in Bangkok or elsewhere in Thailand?

Hanuman

Not in Bangkok or any part of Thailand as far as I know Kathie and it was just a minor shake for us. However, I believe there were some deaths in Burma - according to some news channel.

m_bran

Please let us know if you hear from Min Thu.

Glad all is well in Bangkok...

Kathie

I will let you know what I hear from Min Thu.

jules39

Thanks Kathie. I have just had a quick look at all news sites I can think of & no more news. I was going to email Min Thu tonight but I might wait & see if you hear from him.

cestgaston

Here is a report from The Irrawaddy
http://www.irrawaddy.org/article.php?art_id=21007

Hanuman

One or two fatalities reported this morning(local time) in Northern Thailand from last night's quake.

Kathie

I have emailed Min Thu but have not yet heard back from him.

News reports from Burma indicate 73 or 74 deaths, collapsed buildings, bridges and roads damaged in the Shan state.

rkkwan

China reported 5,000 houses "damaged" but just one injury in Yunnan.

gmoz

Kathie,
MinThu was going to Yangoon to do entrance exams for the tour guide course. He was doing the exams on th 19-20th and so may not be back in Bagan yet. I trust he and his pony (Tsu tsu ?) are fine.

Kathie

I just got an email from Min Thu. He and his family and SuSu are fine. He said there was no damage in Bagan. Within Burma, the government is reporting 150 deaths, internationally, they are reporting half that. He had no internet access for almost a week after the quake.

Thanks for your message, gmoz. I'll have to ask Min Thu about the tour guide course.

Kathie

And gmoz, I do hope you'll write a trip report for us!