Amid the wake of the recent Myanmar earthquake, international regional tourism, particularly in Thailand, is taking a blow.
Post-Earthquake Worry
On March 28, 2025, a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, registering strong tremors in parts of Thailand. In particular, it affected cities such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
Although Thailand reported no major damage, the psychological impact on travelers has been significant. Consequently, tourism officials have noted a measurable decline in visitors.
Overall, tourists reacted quickly, with some canceling bookings or cutting trips short due to safety concerns sparked by the earthquake.
Tourism Statistics Reflect Shift
According to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, only 584,851 tourists arrived in Thailand between March 24 and 30. That figure marks a 0.8% drop compared to the same period last year.
Additionally, hotel bookings took a direct hit. For instance, the Thai Hotels Association noted a 10 to 15 percent decline in foreign guest arrivals during the two weeks following the earthquake. Worse, 10 percent of tourists checked out early.
As a result, revenue dipped across hospitality sectors, especially in Bangkok.
Songkran hotel bookings also dipped by 25 percent.
Earthquake Public Perception
Despite remaining fully operational, Bangkok felt the effects of public fear. Many travelers perceived the city as unsafe after the tremors. Moreover, the earthquake created an atmosphere of uncertainty across Southeast Asia’s tourism hubs.
Still, no infrastructure damage was reported. The government has swiftly reassured visitors that Bangkok remained stable and prepared.
Following the earthquake, tourists shifted to coastal cities like Pattaya and Phuket. This shift indicated travelers still preferred Thailand—but not its capital.
Authorities Take Swift Action
Immediately after the earthquake, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) issued official statements. These emphasized safety and expressed condolences to Myanmar. In addition, Thai engineers conducted full safety inspections of major tourist infrastructure, confirming there was no structural risk.
Although these efforts were effective, Thailand’s reputation as a safe destination received impact. Still, officials remain optimistic, especially amid the Songkran festivities. They believe that consistent communication and transparent safety measures will gradually restore tourist confidence.
Regional Ripple Effects
Unsurprisingly, the earthquake’s effects went beyond Thailand. In particular, popular tourist routes through Southeast Asia faced cancellations and delays.
Moreover, regional tourism boards reported temporary dips in travel demand. However, no country suffered more than Thailand in terms of tourist volume.
Therefore, the earthquake highlighted a need for unified disaster response planning among ASEAN nations. Consequently, joint tourism recovery campaigns are now being considered, aiming to reduce long-term economic losses across the region.
Looking Ahead
Thailand has weathered crises before, from political unrest to pandemics. Thus, the country is expected to rebound again with proper strategy.
In fact, promotional campaigns are already underway. Specifically, they focus on reinforcing the message that Thailand is safe, ready, and welcoming to travelers. As a result, tourism leaders remain hopeful for a stronger second quarter in 2025.
Overall, the Myanmar earthquake served as a reminder of how fragile tourism can be amid natural disasters.
Photo by Dan Freeman on Unsplash
