Earthquake Shakes Southeast Asia

A powerful earthquake has hit western Laos, with tremors felt as far as away as Thailand and Vietnam.

The quake measured magnitude 6.1 and struck not far from the northern city of Luang Prabang, the US Geological Survey reported.

Buildings swayed in both the Thai and Vietnamese capitals. People reportedly fled shopping centres and buildings were evacuated in Bangkok.

However, there were no reports of damage or injuries.

The earthquake struck 155km (97 miles) west-north-west of Luang Prabang at just before 1600 local time (0900GMT), the USGS reported.

The epicentre is believed to be in a fairly remote area of western Laos.

But it was little felt in Luang Prabang. One resident spoke of feeling "disorientated" for a couple of minutes, while others said they felt little or no shaking.

An official in the Laos capital Vientiane said the quake lasted around 10 seconds, and there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage from the area.

But there were scenes of panic in the Thai capital, Bangkok, some 800km (500 miles) south of the quake zone.

Many office blocks were swiftly evacuated after the earthquake shook the city, with its occupants gathering in the streets outside.

"I have not seen a strong earthquake like this before, my head felt like it was spinning," Nattaya Limngern, a 40-year-old office worker, told the AFP news agency.