Thailand Tourism Shaken To The Core As Myanmar Earthquake Triggers Wave Of Fear Among International Travelers - Travel And Tour World (2025)

Sunday, March 30, 2025

Thailand’s tourism industry, already grappling with declining Chinese visitor numbers and rising regional safety concerns, is now facing a fresh challenge after a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake in neighboring Myanmar sent tremors across popular Thai destinations. The quake, which caused evacuations and minor structural damage in Bangkok, has reignited travel fears, prompting early hotel check-outs and a projected 10–15 percent drop in international arrivals over the next two weeks. This latest disruption comes at a critical time as the country heads into the low season, casting further doubt on Thailand’s economic recovery plans that heavily rely on a strong tourism rebound.

Thailand’s struggling tourism sector is facing another blow after a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake rocked neighboring Myanmar, sending tremors across Bangkok and other key travel hubs. The sudden quake has added fresh worries to an industry already weighed down by declining Chinese arrivals and persistent safety concerns.

International tourist numbers are now projected to dip by as much as 15 percent in the coming weeks. The quake, felt in several of Thailand’s most popular destinations, prompted mass evacuations and has left many travelers reconsidering their plans, particularly in an already cautious market environment.

Initial reports indicate that around 10 percent of foreign guests checked out of hotels prematurely following the quake. Although some later returned due to a lack of alternative accommodations, the disruption underscores heightened anxiety among visitors and highlights the fragile state of traveler confidence in the region.

While Thailand escaped major damage compared to Myanmar, the collapse of a construction site in Bangkok, which claimed several lives, has drawn international attention and raised concerns over structural safety—even in urban areas considered relatively secure. The incident has magnified fears among prospective tourists and further complicated recovery efforts for the country’s hospitality sector.

Tourism remains a cornerstone of Thailand’s economy, generating roughly 13 percent of GDP and supporting one in five jobs. With merchandise exports continuing to face global headwinds, officials had hoped a rebound in international travel would help propel economic growth to 3 percent in 2025. The latest setback now threatens that outlook.

In response, Thai authorities have initiated a comprehensive safety review of hotels and major tourist attractions nationwide. Efforts to reassure foreign visitors are underway, with officials emphasizing that Thailand remains a safe destination and that safety protocols are being reinforced across the tourism industry.

Despite these moves, recovery momentum is faltering. Bookings for the upcoming Songkran festival in April—a major holiday that typically draws millions—are weaker than expected. The earthquake has compounded existing apprehensions, particularly among long-haul travelers and families weighing vacation safety.

Tourism from China, Thailand’s largest international market, has been particularly sluggish. Reports of criminal networks operating scam centers in Myanmar and using Thailand as a transit route have circulated widely in Chinese media. These stories have contributed to a sharp downturn in confidence, and Chinese arrivals have yet to show meaningful signs of recovery.

Following the Lunar New Year travel surge in early February, international arrivals have steadily declined week after week. With the country now entering its seasonal tourism lull and Chinese visitor numbers still lagging, economists have warned that Thailand may fall short of its full-year target of 38.1 million international tourists.

Official data shows that 8.9 million foreign tourists visited Thailand from January through March, a modest 2.9 percent increase year-on-year. However, this growth is seen as underwhelming given the scale of the government’s tourism recovery ambitions and the investments made to attract global travelers.

Some relief has come from group travel segments, particularly as international flights to major airports have continued on regular schedules. Still, the broader picture remains shaky. Independent travelers, solo tourists, and cautious families—many of whom monitor regional safety developments closely—are increasingly hesitant to book trips.

Thailand’s tourism faces a new setback as a powerful earthquake in Myanmar sparks safety concerns, leading to early hotel departures and a projected drop in international arrivals. The impact adds pressure to an industry already struggling with falling Chinese tourist numbers.

As the aftershocks of the Myanmar earthquake ripple through the region, Thailand’s tourism sector finds itself in yet another precarious moment. Industry insiders and policymakers are watching closely to see whether improved safety communication and reassurances will be enough to prevent a steeper drop in arrivals during this sensitive period.