The devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28 has sent shockwaves across the region, significantly affecting Thailand's tourism industry. The tremors, which reached Bangkok and other tourist hotspots, led to mass evacuations and safety concerns among travelers. The Thai Hotels Association estimates a 10–15% drop in international tourist arrivals over the next two weeks, with many visitors canceling or postponing their trips.
The collapse of a high-rise building under construction in Bangkok caused fatalities and injuries, further amplifying fears. While some tourists returned to their accommodations after initial evacuations, safety concerns continue to loom. This comes as Thailand’s tourism sector was already grappling with reduced Chinese tourist numbers due to prior travel safety issues.
The earthquake's impact on tourism is expected to hurt Thailand's economy, where the industry accounts for 13% of GDP and employs one in five workers. Authorities are relying on improved tourism performance to achieve growth targets despite this setback. Meanwhile, recovery efforts in both Myanmar and Thailand are underway as the region addresses the broader consequences of this disaster.