Traveling To Myanmar Or Thailand After The Earthquake – What You Need To Know - Travel And Tour World (2025)

Saturday, March 29, 2025

A powerful earthquake struck Myanmar earlier today, sending strong tremors through neighboring Thailand and several countries across the region. Widespread structural damage has been reported, with fears that the death toll could rise into the thousands as emergency crews scramble to respond.

For travelers with upcoming plans to visit Myanmar or Thailand, this news raises understandable concerns. Here’s the latest information on the situation, including safety updates and the impact on travel.

Current Travel Safety in Myanmar and Thailand

A 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit the region on Friday, causing severe damage in multiple cities. Both Myanmar and Thailand have been deeply affected, with emergency services overwhelmed and authorities calling for immediate global assistance.

In Bangkok, a 30-storey high-rise collapsed, killing two people and trapping at least 43 others. In Myanmar, the impact has been even more devastating. Ten people lost their lives inside the Shwe Phone Shein Mosque near the quake’s epicenter. In central Myanmar’s Taungoo, 20 schoolchildren are reportedly trapped under rubble, and eight more people died in Mandalay after another building gave way.

Myanmar has declared a state of emergency in several regions, including Sagaing, Mandalay, Magway, Bago, northeastern Shan State, and the Naypyitaw Council Area. Authorities have issued urgent appeals for humanitarian aid.

In Thailand, Bangkok has been declared a disaster zone. The city’s governor is now leading emergency response efforts after significant structural damage and public safety risks emerged in the aftermath of the tremors.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has issued a red alert for both fatalities and damage, estimating that thousands of casualties are possible based on the strength and shallow depth of the earthquake.

Epicenter and Affected Areas

The earthquake’s epicenter was located about 18 kilometers south of Sagaing, Myanmar, at a depth of just 10 kilometers beneath the surface—making it especially destructive. The quake was widely felt not only in Myanmar and Thailand but also in parts of China, India, Bangladesh, and Laos.

Just 12 minutes after the initial quake, a powerful 6.2 magnitude aftershock followed, further rattling the already-shaken region.

Impact on Air Travel

Despite the ongoing crisis, some airlines are still operating flights, according to Malay Mail. However, there are reports that airports in Bangkok have been temporarily evacuated, prompting flight disruptions. Travelers are strongly advised to contact their airlines directly for up-to-date information and to monitor advisories from local authorities.

If you’ve already booked a trip to Myanmar or Thailand, you’re probably wondering whether you can cancel or postpone your plans in light of the recent earthquake. Unfortunately, your rights in this situation depend largely on your booking terms and your travel provider’s policies.

At this time, most government travel advisories haven’t issued specific warnings about the earthquake itself, although there are existing advisories in place for certain areas of both countries due to other concerns. This means that standard cancellation policies are likely still in effect, and travelers may not be entitled to automatic refunds or no-penalty cancellations just because they decide not to go.

Your best course of action is to get in touch with your airline, hotel, or tour operator as soon as possible. Some companies may offer flexibility under exceptional circumstances, especially if infrastructure in the region is affected. If you booked through a travel insurance provider, check whether your policy includes natural disaster coverage.

History of Earthquakes in the Region

The region is no stranger to seismic activity. The last notable quake prior to this one occurred in November 2019, when a 6.1 magnitude earthquake hit Sainyabuli Province in northwest Laos, near the border with Thailand.

Still, the most catastrophic seismic event in recent memory was the massive earthquake on December 26, 2004. That undersea quake, measuring between 9.2 and 9.3 in magnitude, struck off the coast of northern Sumatra and triggered a devastating tsunami. Waves up to 30 meters high swept across coastal communities in Thailand, Sri Lanka, India, and beyond. In total, approximately 230,000 lives were lost across 14 countries, making it one of the deadliest natural disasters in recorded history.