Introduction

On March 28, a devastating earthquake struck Bangkok, causing the catastrophic collapse of the State Audit Office building. In this tragic incident, 15 lives were lost, and many remain unaccounted for, but amid the despair, stories of survival offer a glimmer of hope.

Survivor Story: Phiraphon Mowiang

Among the survivors is 30-year-old Phiraphon Mowiang, an electrician from Khon Kaen, who escaped just moments before disaster struck. He recalls the day vividly, saying, “My supervisors, a kind-hearted couple from my village, employed me in Bangkok along with a small team.” The earthquake hit as Mr. Phiraphon went down to the ground floor to fetch a water container with his supervisor's daughter, Araya Kaenmuang.

“I heard the unmistakable crack of concrete,” he recounted, his voice trembling. “Before I could react, the walls began to shake violently, and screams filled the air.” In a moment of chaos, both he and Araya made a desperate dash for safety through thick clouds of dust.

Tragic Loss

While they made it out alive, the building's collapse cast a dark shadow over their lives. Among the victims was Ornuma Kaenmuang, Araya's mother, whose body was discovered days later in the ruins, sending shockwaves through the community. Her husband, Damrong, and their son-in-law, Jetsada "Fas" Sonchai, remain missing, leaving the family in anguish.

The Wait for News

An anxious wait unfolded in Khon Kaen as Phiraphon’s parents lived through three agonizing days without news of their son’s safety. Mr. Seng and Ms. Phawana, who have only one child, were plagued by worry, especially as they learned about the disaster unfolding in Bangkok. During those sleepless nights, Ms. Phawana prayed fervently, promising to ordain her son as a monk if he were to return home safely. When the long-awaited phone call came, relief washed over her: Phiraphon was alive.

A Tribute to Ornuma

In a poignant tribute to Ornuma, Phiraphon decided to fulfill his mother’s vow by becoming ordained as a monk for seven days to honor her memory and express his gratitude for surviving.

Araya's Hope

Meanwhile, Araya, aged 22, continues to hope that her father and boyfriend will also emerge from the ruins. She, too, experienced the horrifying moments of the earthquake, believing initially that the building's swaying was just part of its normal structure. The reality of the situation hit her hard when she heard the loud cracks and felt the tremors.

Community Resilience

As families grieve, the emotional aftermath of this disaster reverberates not only through Phiraphon’s and Araya’s lives but also in surrounding communities. In a nearby village, 70-year-old Chai Laopeng clings to hope for his son, Kwanchai, who was also inside the building during its collapse. “He’s the breadwinner of our family, and I believe if the gods will it, he will come back to us,” he stated adamantly.

Conclusion

The emotional toll is particularly poignant as many had been preparing for reunions and celebrations during the upcoming Songkran festival next week—plans that have now been shattered.

Despite the overwhelming sorrow, there is an undeniable community resilience and a shared hope for miracles, as families continue to pray for their missing loved ones, trapped yet not forgotten in the debris. The collective longing for a reunion fuels a belief that survival against the odds is possible, highlighting the power of faith and hope.