Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra this evening visited the site where a skyscraper under construction collapsed during a powerful earthquake in Myanmar, which sent tremors across Thailand, particularly in Bangkok.
The premier was in Phuket on an official trip when the quake struck the capital. She later declared Bangkok an emergency zone.
At least three workers at the Office of the Auditor General building were killed, with many others feared trapped under the debris.
Meanwhile the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) has ordered the postponement of nationwide student examinations, scheduled for this weekend, due to the earthquake that struck Thailand today.
OBEC Secretary-General Thanu Wongjinda said that, for safety reasons, tests for students seeking to advance to Grades 7 and 10 are postponed until further notice.
He also instructed schools to structurally inspect their buildings for any damage caused by the tremor.
The United States Geological Survey reported that a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck northwest of Sagaing, Myanmar, on Friday afternoon at a shallow depth. A 6.4-magnitude aftershock followed minutes later.
The quake was felt in Thailand, particularly in Bangkok, where at least four people were killed, and numerous workers were trapped under the debris of a collapsed Chatuchak district office building under construction.
Educational personnel and students affected by the quake can contact the OBEC centre on 02-123-8789 or 02-288-5599.
