Authorities yesterday downplayed mounting fears of a possible major earthquake following numerous mild-to-moderate temblors in the North over the last two weeks.
Department of Mineral Resources Department (DMR) director-general, Tawsaporn Nuchanong, yesterday urged people not to panic.
He said the more than 70 tremors recorded in Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son in the last fortnight were not considered unusual.
"These provinces are in areas where movement of the earth's surface usually occurs," he said.
His assurance came after 76 temblors were recorded in both northern provinces by the Meteorological Department's (TMD) Seismological Bureau.
The latest temblor, measuring 3.9 in magnitude, was recorded in Mae Hong Son's Pai district at 4.23pm on Sunday. A 4.2-magnitude quake also occurred in Chiang Mai's Chom Thong district at 3.44pm the same day
Both tremors were moderate, according to the DMR.
Most of the recorded jolts had a magnitude of between one and two, he said.
Mr Tawsaporn said the department was closely monitoring seismic activity, but did not discount the possibility that a stronger earthquake could occur.
He also urged the public not to cause panic by spreading rumours and false news.
Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon has instructed state agencies to step up precautionary earthquake measures, saying although the multiple tremors in the North were not strong, they could be a sign of a possible devastating quake in the future.
Meanwhile, Tinnakorn Tatong, director of the Lumpang-based Mineral Resources Office Region 1 overseeing 17 northern provinces, said authorities have informed residents to follow news updates from his office and the TMD.
He said his office has prepared basic necessities and other equipment such as torches, batteries and radio communication devices, as well as an evacuation plan in the event of an earthquake.
Villagers were urged to assess the ability of their houses and other buildings to withstand a tremor, he said.