Panicking people ran or sped away in vehicles to higher ground.

"Our house is right by the sea. We have a reason to be afraid. What if a tsunami hit?" said Somporn Boonma, a 40-year-old resident.

The situation started to return to normal only when officials arrived in Sam Roi Yod sub-district to announce that no tidal wave was imminent.

In December 2004, a powerful earthquake offshore sent a deadly tsunami to six southern provinces, causing huge casualties and damage.

According to the Mineral Resources Department, four tremors could be felt in Prachuap Khiri Khan between 8.27pm on Wednesday and 1.46am yesterday. The tremors came from earthquakes centred on Burma.

Of the four earthquakes, the last one was the most powerful, registering 4.8 on the Richter Scale.

Yod Plaibua, 48, said he took his wife and children out of their house because the last tremor was too frightening.

"We were scared. I kept looking at the waves all the time," he said.

A local weather bureau office told residents to keep abreast of news because it remained uncertain whether there would be more tremors.

Prachuap Khiri Khan's Deputy Governor Siva Sirisaovalak said officials had been instructed to be alert and ready to launch operations in case of an emergency. Some houses were damaged by the tremors and officials were assessing the extent.

The Nation

Prachuap Khiri Khan