Myanmar has recently experienced its most devastating earthquake in a century, a magnitude 7.7 event that struck the central region of Myanmar on March 28, 2025. This earthquake is among the most powerful globally in recent years and resulted in significant casualties.
As of April 5, the disaster in Myanmar has led to 5,330 fatalities, over 7,140 injuries, and more than 769 missing persons. In response, the opposition National Unity Government (NUG) announced that anti-junta militias under its command would pause all offensive military actions for two weeks. However, the regime continues to launch airstrikes, including in affected areas.
A group of concerned photographers from Myanmar, organised in Platform 36, is proposing an exhibition in collaboration with SEA Junction and Bangkok Tribune News, and in partnership with CMB from 6-18 May 2025 on the Corner Space, 1st floor, BACC.
The exhibition will showcase photos of the disaster’s impact, presenting powerful visual documentation of earthquake-affected areas near Mandalay and Sagaing, where significant damage has been reported. The display will also highlight surrounding regions such as Nay Pyi Taw, Bago, Magway, and parts of Shan State. Whenever available, “before” images of these post-earthquake scenes will be included alongside photo captions.
Platform 36, Bangkok Tribune, and SEA Junction are all working pro-bono, and SEA Junction is shouldering the costs of the exhibition fully as part of the CMB-supported program “Staying Resilient Amidst Multiple Crises in Southeast Asia” in the sincere hope that many will donate. All funds will be entirely used toward medical supplies and healthcare services via trusted local and civil society organisations working on the ground.
For those interested, the photos will be on offer for donations as well as the postcards and booklets.
Photographers
Ko C
Zide
Linkar
GoDark
Curators
Ye Aung Thu is an award-winning Burmese photojournalist and co-founder of the collective. He was recently recognised by the World Press Photo Contest for his impactful visual work on life in Myanmar and across Asia, and is the initiator of this exhibition.
Sayan Chuenudomsavad has been working as a photojournalist for several years, reporting and taking photos on any rising challenges of development, of the environment, and of any social changes which take place in the Mekong region. Diverse and vibrant, his images capture everyday people living alongside the challenges of development, climate change and social changes in the region. See https://sayanchuenudomsavad.wordpress.com/.
Organisors
Platform 36 is an independent collective and platform dedicated to supporting the next generation of photographers and photojournalists, especially those from overlooked or marginalised communities. Named after the traditional 36 exposures on a roll of film, Platform 36 symbolises creative potential, storytelling power, and the belief that every frame matters. We exist to nurture visual storytellers by offering space, mentorship, and visibility: helping them develop their voices and share their truths with the world. For more information, visits: www.platform36.org or contact platform36stories@gmail.com.
SEA Junction, established under the Thai non-profit organization Foundation for Southeast Asia Studies (ForSEA), aims to foster understanding and appreciation of Southeast Asia in all its socio-cultural dimensions, from arts and lifestyles to development and human rights. Conveniently located at Room 407-8 of the Bangkok Arts and Culture Center or BACC (across MBK, BTS National Stadium), SEA Junction facilitates public access to knowledge resources and exchanges among students, practitioners and Southeast Asia lovers. More information at www.seajunction.org
Bangkok Tribune, an Indie and in-depth online news agency to explain and inspire people with scoop-based news reports on environment and development in Thailand and the Mekong region. For more information, see https://bkktribune.com/
CMB Foundation The John D. Rockefeller-endowed CMB, an independent American foundation started in 1914, aims to advance health in Asia through strengthening medical, nursing and public health research and education. See further: www.chinamedicalboard.org
Start: May 6 @ 10:00 am
End: May 8 @ 8:00 pm Event Category
Organisors: Platform 36, SEA Junction, Bangkok Tribune, and CMB
Venue: Corner space 1st floor, BACC
