Traveling After Myanmar-Thailand Earthquake: What You Need to Know

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck near Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city, on Friday, March 28, 2025. The initial tremor, occurring around 1:20 p.m. local time, was followed by a 6.4 magnitude aftershock, causing widespread tremors felt throughout Myanmar, Thailand, and southwest China. 

Tragically, the disaster resulted in at least 144 deaths and over 730 injuries in Myanmar, according to the country's military-led government. In Bangkok, a skyscraper construction site collapsed, claiming at least three lives and trapping dozens more in the rubble of the 33-story building located in the Chatuchak tourist area. Reports indicate that many people are still missing.

Myanmar is known for frequent earthquakes. Bill McGuire, Professor Emeritus of Geophysical and Climate Hazards at University College London, explained that Myanmar is highly seismically active due to its location on the Sagaing Fault, a major tectonic plate boundary. 

He suggested that this earthquake, possibly the largest in 75 years, occurred along this fault, which runs near densely populated areas. The devastation highlights the region's vulnerability to such powerful natural disasters.

Is it safe to travel to Thailand and Myanmar?

Following the earthquake, Mandalay International Airport was reported closed. The United States Embassy in Myanmar noted reports of damage to buildings and infrastructure, including transportation routes out of Mandalay and telephone connectivity. The embassy advised U.S. citizens in Myanmar to monitor local media for the latest information, inform friends and family of their safety, and seek safe shelter.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Thailand Paetongtarn Shinawatra declared Bangkok a disaster zone and warned of potential aftershocks. Regarding the collapsed buildings, Shinawatra said that these were under construction and had stability issues.

He reassured the public that established buildings in Bangkok were built beyond required standards and would withstand even stronger earthquakes. Current inspections indicate that existing buildings are safe to re-enter.

For those planning to travel to Thailand, Airports of Thailand (AOT) completed inspections at six airports, confirming that the structural integrity of the buildings and flight infrastructure meets safety standards. All airports resumed normal operations at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, March 28, 2025, according to The Independent.

However, travelers should exercise caution when traveling through affected areas. As previously mentioned, Bangkok has been officially declared a disaster area. Bangkok Post also reported that the Ministry of Transportation ordered the suspension of some public transportation services, including many buses and all electric train routes.

However, the ministry increased the number of passenger ships, including those on the Chao Phraya River, to accommodate travelers. Travelers are advised to follow official Thai government channels to stay informed about the latest information and situation.

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