Developing | Powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake strikes Bangkok, swaying buildings

A strong 7.7-magnitude earthquake rocked the Thai capital on Friday, causing buildings to sway.

Germany’s GFZ centre for geosciences said the midday temblor was a shallow 10 kilometres (6.2 miles), with an epicentre in neighbouring Myanmar, according to temporary reports.

There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.

The greater Bangkok area is home to more than 17 million people, many of whom live in high-rise flats.

Alarms went off in buildings as the earthquake hit around 1.30pm (local time), and startled residents were evacuated down staircases of high-rise condominiums and hotels in densely populated central Bangkok.

They remained in the streets, seeking shade from the midday sun in the minutes after the quake.