Parks in Bangkok have been opened round-the-clock for residents to sleep in, amid fears their homes could be hit by earthquake aftershocks.

Footage shows locals sleeping in tents and pavilions in the Chatuchak district, where a high-rise apartment tower collapsed on Friday afternoon when a quake struck neighbouring Myanmar and sent tremors across Southeast Asia.

Officials said that six parks across the city have been opened to accommodate locals whose condo blocks have been closed, or those who are afraid to stay in the buildings.

Residents took their beds, pillows, mosquito nets, and blankets to stay in Chatuchak Park, in the grassy areas with lighting on throughout the night.

Officials said that parks will remain open, with extra security guards in place to assist those who want to sleep there.

The US Geological Survey said the tremor struck at a depth of 10 kilometres (six miles), and was centred in Myanmar, around 50 kilometres (30 miles) east of Monywa City.

Across Bangkok, terrified residents and workers ran into the streets after the quake caused buildings to sway at around 2:20 pm local time.

In Myanmar, thousands of people are feared to have been killed when homes and buildings across the country collapsed.

Officials at a major hospital in Naypyidaw, the capital, declared it a 'mass casualty area', with the death toll expected to rise after buildings fell and debris scattered.

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra declared Bangkok an emergency zone as the quake wrought carnage across the capital city.

Earthquake rescue efforts are ongoing in Thailand and Myanmar.