CHIANG MAI -- Seven minor earthquakes were registered in this northern province, most in Chom Thong district, from late Wednesday night to Thursday morning but there were no reports of damage, Pairin Limcharoen, chief of the provincial disaster prevention and mitigation office said.
The quakes, ranging from magnitude 1.1 to 2.0, occurred at 9.57pm on Wednesday in Chom Thong; at 2.55am on Thursday in Chom Thong; at 3.01am in Doi Saket; at 3.51am in Mae Wang district; at 6.10am in Chom Thong; at 6.33am in Mae Chaem; and, at 7am in Chom Thong districts.
The epicentres ranged from one to five kilometres below the surface.
In view of the increased frequency of earthquakes, although minor and causing no damage, the provincial disaster prevention and mitigation office has set up an earthquake watch centre at the city hall. The centre will meet every morning to summarise the daily tremors and be prepared for possibly violent future quakes.
Jensak Limpiti, director of the Chiang Mai irrigation office, said Mae Ngad dam in Mae Taeng district had not been affected by the quakes.
Roong Hirinwong, chief of the Doi Inthanon National Park in Chom Thong district, said the tremors had not affected the number of tourists there.
There were 7,367 visitors on Wednesday and the number was expected to rise during the long New Year holiday, he said.
Holidaymakers throng Doi Inthanon in Chom Thong district of Chiang Mai on Thursday to enjoy the cool weather, unaware several small earthqukes were recorded in the area overnight. (Photo by Cheewin Sattha)