Magnitude 4.3 earthquake recorded in Laos near northern Thailand
A magnitude 4.3 earthquake struck Laos at 2.21am on August 27 at a depth of 10km, about 283km northeast of Rim Khong in Chiang Rai.
- A magnitude 4.3 earthquake was recorded in Laos, with its epicenter 283 kilometers northeast of Chiang Rai in northern Thailand.
- The tremor occurred at 2:21 a.m. on Thursday at a depth of 10 kilometers, as reported by the Thai Meteorological Department.
- No damage was initially reported as a result of the earthquake.
- A quake of this magnitude is considered moderate, capable of rattling household objects and windows.
A magnitude 4.3 earthquake was recorded in Laos in the early hours of Thursday (August 27), with its epicentre about 283 kilometres northeast of Rim Khong subdistrict in Chiang Khong district, Chiang Rai.
The earthquake occurred at 2.21am at a depth of 10 kilometres, according to the Earthquake Observation Division of the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD).
No damage was initially reported. The division advised people in nearby areas to follow official information and continue monitoring the situation.
At magnitude 4.3, the earthquake falls within the 4.0–4.9 range. Shaking from earthquakes of this size may cause household objects and windows to rattle and can sometimes produce noticeable sounds.
However, the level of shaking and possible damage can vary depending on factors including distance from the epicentre, depth, local geology and building conditions.
- Magnitude 1.0–2.9 – Very minor: Usually not felt by people, but can be detected by monitoring instruments.
- Magnitude 3.0–3.9 – Minor: May be felt by people indoors, with vibrations similar to those caused by a passing lorry.
- Magnitude 4.0–4.9 – Moderate: Household objects and windows may shake, sometimes accompanied by noticeable noises.
- Magnitude 5.0–5.9 – Strong: Furniture may move and cracks may begin to appear in walls.
- Magnitude 6.0–6.9 – Very strong: Weaker buildings may sustain serious damage and could collapse.
- Magnitude 7.0 and above – Extremely strong: Widespread structural damage may occur, with the possibility of ground rupture.
To obtain accurate information and avoid confusion caused by unverified reports, the public can monitor earthquake activity around the clock through the Earthquake Observation Division's official website at earthquake.tmd.go.th or via the EarthquakeTMD app, available on iOS and Android.
