The insurance industry is preparing to mitigate the impact of natural disaster risks after most parts of Thailand, including Bangkok, were hit by a strong earthquake on Friday, pointing out that free earthquake coverage would no longer be available.

A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Myanmar near Sagaing, causing significant damage and fatalities in Myanmar and Thailand. The seismic activity resulted from the movement of the Sagaing Fault, a tectonic boundary between the Indian Plate and the Burma microplate.

Remarkable rescue stories from Myanmar's earthquake ruins are keeping hope alive, but aid agencies say time is running out fast, and the need for help is vast.

A 7.7 magnitude earthquake rocked Thailand and neighboring Myanmar midday on Friday, killing at least three in Bangkok.

BMA updates on earthquake: 18 dead, 33 injured, 78 missing. Din Daeng expressway reopens 5am; safety checks ongoing.

In a startling turn of events, a powerful earthquake that struck Myanmar on the 28th has sent shockwaves across the region, impacting even far-flung areas like Bangkok. This incident notably affected the luxurious Park Origin Thonglor high-rise apartments,

Thailand's economic activity eased in February due to slowing activity in manufacturing and services, according to the central bank, which said it was monitoring any impact on the tourism sector of last week's earthquake.

It sent buildings in many areas toppling to the ground, buckled roads, caused bridges to collapse and burst a dam.

More than 2,700 people have been killed and 4,500 injured after a magnitude 7.7 earthquake hit Myanmar last Friday.