This is the terrifying moment a bridge between buildings was seen shaking from a high-rise apartment in Thailand during an earthquake.

Dramatic footage shows the span between two structures rattling, with small parts falling and creating a cloud of dust in Bangkok on March 28.

The horrified filmer, who was on the 40th floor when the quake struck, said he gave up on escaping, thinking death was certain even if they tried to get down.

He added: 'It was the first time I prepared myself for death.'

Later footage shows pool water spilling from the high-rise complex, visible from his apartment.

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, along the Sagaing fault.

Residents ran from their homes when they felt the tremors at around 1:20 pm local time. More than 1,700 people in the country have been killed and some 4,000, with rescue efforts ongoing.

The quake destroyed buildings, bridges, and dams, leaving many areas in ruins. Communication remains difficult as mobile networks are down, and access to electricity and the internet is limited.

In neighbouring Thailand, high-rise buildings shook and an apartment block under construction collapsed in Bangkok. At least 17 workers were killed.