The recent 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar has sent tremors through Thailand’s tourism industry, leading to concerns over safety and a projected decline in international arrivals.

The powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28, 2025, has left a trail of devastation and a mounting death toll, but the effects are being felt beyond the country’s borders, too. In Thailand, the quake rattled buildings in Bangkok and other tourist hotspots, sending people rushing into the streets.

While damage in Thailand was relatively limited compared to Myanmar, the psychological impact has been significant—particularly for the country’s tourism industry, which is already struggling with declining arrivals from China.

The Thai Hotels Association (THA) is predicting a 10% to 15% drop in international visitors over the next two weeks, with some in the industry fearing the real impact could be even worse. The earthquake, which led to the collapse of an under-construction high-rise in Bangkok seen in multiple videos that went viral around the world, has reinforced concerns about safety among would-be travellers. THA President Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun noted that around 10% of foreign tourists checked out of their hotels early in the immediate aftermath of the disaster. Some later returned when alternative options were limited, but the uncertainty has made its mark.

“A short-term impact is expected for the tourism industry because of safety concerns,” Thienprasit said, emphasising that the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the extent of the fallout.

The timing of the earthquake couldn’t be worse. Thailand has been relying heavily on tourism to drive economic growth, especially as merchandise exports continue to face global headwinds. Tourism accounts for about 13% of the country’s GDP and supports one in five jobs, making it a crucial pillar of the economy. Officials had been hoping for a strong performance in 2025, aiming to hit 38.1 million foreign arrivals for the year. But even before the quake, numbers were already softening, particularly from China—Thailand’s largest source of visitors.

Concerns over safety have been a growing problem. Reports of human trafficking networks tricking people into scam operations in Myanmar, often via Thailand, have led to heightened fears among Chinese tourists. This has already weighed on arrivals, and now, with the earthquake’s aftershocks—both literal and psychological—more travellers may reconsider their plans.

Hotel bookings for Songkran, Thailand’s famous water festival in mid-April, had already been lower than expected compared to pre-pandemic years. Now, the added uncertainty may deter even more visitors. While flights into the country remain unaffected and group tours are continuing as planned, independent travellers who haven’t yet made bookings may now hesitate.

Despite the challenges, Thai officials are trying to push back against any panic. Tourism Minister Sorawong Thienthong has reassured visitors that the country remains safe and has ordered safety audits of hotels and major tourist sites to ease concerns. “We are closely monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of tourists,” he said, adding that Thailand’s emergency response capabilities are well-equipped to handle such events.

The high-rise collapse in Bangkok, which claimed at least 19 lives, remains the most serious consequence of the quake within Thailand. Rescue operations continue, with authorities working to retrieve those still trapped beneath the rubble. While no other major structural damage was reported in the capital, the incident has raised questions about building safety standards, particularly for ongoing construction projects.

Adding to the economic uncertainty, the Bank of Thailand has warned that the quake could further dampen consumer confidence and spending, particularly as the country moves into what is typically a quieter period for European visitors. February had already seen a nearly 14% drop in foreign tourists compared to January, making this latest crisis an additional burden on the industry.

International travel advisories have also played a role in shaping public perception. While most embassies have not issued formal warnings against travel to Thailand, some, including the U.S. Embassy, have cautioned travellers about the potential for aftershocks. These advisories, while standard protocol after significant seismic events, can influence travel decisions, particularly for more risk-averse tourists.

Yet, as experts are quick to point out, Thailand’s tourism sector has proven its resilience time and again. From political unrest to natural disasters and pandemics, the industry has weathered countless setbacks. While the coming weeks may see a dip in arrivals, many believe that with transparent communication and safety measures in place, confidence will return. Tourism operators are already working on promotions to reassure visitors, and with Songkran just around the corner, there’s still hope that the festival can provide a much-needed boost.

For now, the focus remains on immediate recovery efforts and ensuring that Thailand continues to be seen as a welcoming and safe destination. The earthquake may have shaken the country—both physically and economically—but Thailand’s ability to bounce back should not be underestimated.