We Are Fine!…
We are lucky that we just recently came back to the US to visit family, so we were not in Bankok during the earthquake event! 🙏
28 Mar 2025 | 06:20:52 (UTC)
M 7.7 – 2025 Mandalay, Burma (Myanmar) Earthquake
On March 28, 2025, a powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck near Mandalay, Myanmar, at a depth of 10 km. This devastating event caused widespread destruction, with over 2,600 fatalities and thousands injured. The quake, originating along the Sagaing Fault, was followed by significant aftershocks, including a magnitude 6.4 tremor. Its impact extended beyond Myanmar, with tremors felt in Thailand, China, and neighboring regions. The earthquake’s shallow depth and proximity to densely populated areas amplified its destructive force, making it one of Myanmar’s most catastrophic seismic events in recent history.
This earthquake had a significant impact on Thailand, particularly Bangkok. A 33-story building under construction near Chatuchak Market collapsed (near where we used to live!), resulting in at least 10 fatalities and leaving over 70 people unaccounted for. The disaster prompted city authorities to declare Bangkok a disaster area, shutting down schools and public transit systems. Tremors caused widespread panic, with buildings swaying and streets gridlocked as residents evacuated3. Rescue efforts continue amidst unstable rubble and aftershocks.
So What Have We Been Up To since our last post in March 7, 2024 – from our two week trip to Japan (Tokyo, Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima)?….
- May-Jul 2024: We came back to the US to visit family
- For the remainder 2024: uneventful period of just staying in Bangkok and visiting family in Kanchanaburi.
- Dec 2024-Jan 2025: we took a two week trip to Tokyo during Christmas and New Years. We love Japan in the Winter!
- Mid Jan 2025: with family from the US, we took a 10 day trip through central Thailand:
- Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew (Phetchabun)
- Wat Ban Rai Luang Phor Koon (Nakhon Ratchasima / Korat)
- Luang Por To Sorapong Foundation (Nakhon Ratchasima / Korat)
- Famous Temples in Suphan Buri, Thailand
- Famous Maple Gardens (Kanchanaburi)
- Wat Tham Phu Wa (Kanchanaburi)
- Amazing Giant Raintree | Monkey Pod Tree (Kanchanaburi)
- Feb 2025: Back to the US and where we are currently.
So What’s Next…
- We are not sure at the moment 😊
- We are working on some future trips but we are not quite sure yet on the details – more to come soon.
- At some point soon I hope to get back on the website to cover some of our recent trips (Japan & Thailand)
20 Feb–07 Mar 2024
Two-Week Trip to Japan (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima)
I woke up on the morning of 19th February (Monday) and suggested to Kanchana “Hey, let’s go to Japan for two weeks!“. It was the end of February, so we had to act fast to visit before the peak cherry blossom season. So I spend that Monday researching air tickets and accommodations in Tokyo. We flew out the next morning, the 20th (Tuesday). After arriving in Tokyo for 4 nights, I finished our remaining travel plans and we did some shopping and sightseeing.
Trip Highlights:
- First time riding Japan’s Shinkansen Bullet Train (Tokyo to Kyoto, Osaka to Hiroshima and Osaka to Tokyo)
- Got to see Mount Fuji from Bullet Train (in both directions). We were lucky because most of the time the mountain is hidden in fog/clouds
- Visited many famous/historical sites in Kyoto
- We did a day trip (from Osaka) to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
- Visited the Dotonbori area of Osaka
- We returned to Tokyo for the last 3 nights before flying back to Bangkok.
18 Feb 2024
Attended Bangkok’s Rama IX Bridge Grand Opening Celebration
For a few weekends this past February (2024), Bangkok transportation officials allowed the newly built second portion of the Rama IX bridge (which runs alongside the existing Rama IX bridge) to be open to pedestrians in a special grand opening celebration (large night market and live music). The public was welcome to walk on the bridge from Feb 18 and from Feb 23 to 25, between 16:00 and 22:00.
10 Feb 2024
Chinese New Year Celebrations in Bangkok
We had the opportunity to see some of the festivities for this year’s Chinese New Year in Bangkok.
24 Jan 2024
Visited Khao Wa Khod Temple in Kanchanaburi
Local temple near Kanchana’s home village in Kanchanaburi
Latest | POSTS
Tokyo Haneda Airport Japan
Japan Winter 2024 Tokyo | Japan 07 Mar 2024 | Thu Day 17 of 17 Tokyo Haneda Airport Japan Observation Deck Cultural Displays Informative & Special Displays Map | Tokyo …