BBCAt least 15 people are believed to be still alive, trapped under the ruins of Bangkok skyscrapers, which hit Myanmar and Thailand.
Rescuers said they found signs of life and communicated with some survivors at the foot of the 10-storey debris mountain.
As rescue work entered the second day, dozens of construction workers were still missing at the site.
The 7.7-magnitude earthquake occurred on Friday afternoon local time and killed hundreds of people in the epicenter near Mandalay, Myanmar. In the Thai capital, as well as in China and India, its powerful influence can be felt for hundreds of miles.
It has been reported that the Saigaing area and Mandalay have been widely damaged, including flat buildings and the spire of temple feet. More than 1,000 people died while another 2,376 were injured, officials in Myanmar said.
In Bangkok, thousands of buildings sway, water emanating from swimming pools, experiencing the effects of earthquakes. Officials said they received 2,000 reports of cracks in the building.
But the capital is largely unscathed, except for the unfinished headquarters of the Auditor General’s Office, which remains the focus of Thailand’s losses.
This 30-storey skyscraper just across from the tourist landmark Chatuchak Market, once a glittering tower of blue glass and steel.
The earthquake reduced it to a series of twisted steel bars and broken concrete, putting hundreds of first-aid rescue workers in trouble.
According to the latest official figures, at least 96 of the more than 400 workers at the site have disappeared, while eight died and eight others were injured.
Some people think some are Burmese. Many Burmese immigrants work in the construction industry in Thailand.
Drones, sniffing dogs, cranes and excavators were brought in throughout Friday night and Saturday morning to help with the rescue efforts.
By lunch time, officials said they found at least 15 people alive under rubble, about 5 to 10m from the top of the pile.
As “buildings collapse like pancakes” and are continuing to collapse – rescue efforts have been difficult, forcing officials to avoid heavy machinery.
They said they were able to connect with some “survivors who shouted and made noise”. Others’ movement and body heat are detected.
“We want to save them as soon as possible,” one official said. “The signs of life we received last night have remained silent since then. I hope all Thais pray for them and be strong.”
Officials have not determined why the building collapsed and have investigated investigators.
In a dusty corner of the construction site, tents and tables were set up to register details of missing relatives.
The solemn crowd (mostly women) gathered in the stuffy heat, their faces shrouded in worry. Sometimes, some people sprint violently.
“I want to come here desperately, I want to see my husband.” A woman cried, her name was Naruemol because her friend comforted her.
“No matter what situation he is, I just need to see him.”
A man named Siew is waiting to hear from two missing cousins who told the BBC: “I think their chances of survival are slim … In my heart, I don’t know if they will survive.”
Senior government officials vow to continue searching for missing workers.
Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnweerakul addressed reporters while visiting the website: “We work tirelessly and still work around the clock to ensure everyone is safe.”
“We will keep working until no one is left in there…we always have hope.”
Other reports by Sawitree Jang, Arunoday Mukharji and Nick Marsh
