Safety
Expert Analysis: 2026 Global Earthquake Activity Within Natural Fluctuations
A Kasetsart University researcher clarifies that recent global seismic activity remains within historical norms, despite public concern.
On August 17, 2026, Associate Professor Dr. Passakorn Pananont from the Department of Earth Sciences at Kasetsart University addressed growing public anxiety regarding recent major earthquakes reported across the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, Venezuela, Colombia, and the Pacific islands.
As social media continues to circulate footage of swaying high-rise buildings and emergency evacuations, many have questioned whether the Earth’s crust is experiencing an abnormal increase in seismic activity. Dr. Passakorn, citing data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) covering January 1 to August 17, 2026, noted that there have been 11 major earthquakes ranging from magnitude 7.0 to 7.9 globally during this period.
According to the expert, these events are consistent with natural tectonic plate movements—where plates collide or separate, causing sudden fault shifts. He emphasized that current statistics align with historical data patterns observed over the past 100 years. For residents and travelers in Thailand, this analysis suggests that the recent frequency of global seismic events is within the expected range of natural fluctuations rather than an indicator of an unprecedented geological crisis. While the data provides context for global trends, individuals should continue to monitor official local geological reports for specific updates regarding regional safety and preparedness.