Is It Safe to Travel to Thailand After the Myanmar Earthquake? Latest Advice on Bangkok Airport

On March 28th at noon local time, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar, causing intense shaking felt throughout Thailand and even reaching areas of China.

A sudden shock led to a high-rise building collapsing in Thailand’s capital city of Bangkok, resulting in three fatalities and leaving 81 individuals unaccounted for beneath the debris.

European authorities have revised their guidance for travelers heading to Thailand, particularly those planning future visits. Below is crucial information regarding security measures and travel insurance requirements.

A state of emergency has been announced in six areas of Myanmar.

The earthquake The earthquake, with its epicenter close to the city of Mandalay in Myanmar, led to numerous structures collapsing. Its relatively shallow depth of 10 kilometers intensified the effects at ground level.

A 6.4 magnitude aftershock struck approximately 12 minutes after the initial quake near the city, according to the US Geological Survey. The tremors were even noticed in distant locations such as Laos, Bangladesh, and China.

Video apparently shot at Mandalay Airport depicts individuals sprinting through smoke-filled corridors and seeking refuge on the ground both indoors and outdoors within the facility. safety .

In Taungoo, Myanmar, a partially collapsed mosque resulted in two fatalities, as reported by Reuters.

According to local media reports, at least two individuals have lost their lives and approximately 20 others were wounded when a hotel collapsed in Aungban, located in the southern part of the nation.

It’s probable that there are numerous additional casualties throughout the nation; however, due to the unstable political climate under military rule, reporters face limited entry, making it challenging to confirm accounts from those areas.

The government has announced a state of emergency in six areas and provinces within Myanmar.

In Bangkok, the tower block that came down was under construction. A rescue worker said seven people had been found alive but 81 people are still missing.

Authorities claim they have received 169 reports of building damages in Thailand’s main city. The region has been designated as a 'disaster zone'.

Hundreds of residents and tourists People have been moved to the streets from high-rise buildings and hotels, and there are accounts of water spilling out of swimming pools across various areas of the city.

Is traveling to Thailand secure?

Thailand is a popular tourist destination experiencing an increase in visitors following the airing of the HBO series. The White Lotus was located at a resort in the countryside.

After the earthquake shook the city of Bangkok, leading to temporary closures of urban rail and metro systems, with operations anticipated to restart on Saturday.

Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport was temporarily closed but has since resumed operations with normal flight schedules. The country’s other principal airports remain unaffected.

The local administration has cautioned people to stay away from tall structures, as they are abundant in the heavily packed urban area.

The United Kingdom's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has revised its travel guidance. Thailand .

“If you’re in the area or planning to travel there, follow the advice of the local authorities or your tour operator and monitor local media,” it urges travellers.

Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has raised its safety advisory for Thailand to 'exercise a high level of caution'.

"We urge citizens to adhere to the directives of local authorities during emergencies," it has stated.

Additionally, the FCDO continues to advise against all but essential travel to certain areas in southern regions, unrelated to the earthquake. Thailand near the Thailand-Malaysia border.

This encompasses the regions of Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat provinces along with the southern part of Songkhla province located below the A43 highway connecting Hat Yai and Sakon Nakhon, as well as areas south of the railway track running from Hat Yai to Padang Besar.

The FCDO likewise recommends avoiding non-essential travel on the Hat Yai to Padang Besar train route that passes through these regions. This advisory is issued because of frequent incidents in these locations near the Malaysian border.

Is it advisable to visit Myanmar at this time?

The FCDO has likewise released revised advice for travellers In Myanmar, indicating that the epicenter is located in the Sagaing region close to Mandalay, however, other regions might also experience impacts.

Mandalay Airport is said to be closed. Several significant aftershocks might occur.

If you're nearby or intending to visit, adhere to the guidance provided by local officials and keep up with news from regional sources.

Will I be insured under my travel policy if I proceed with my journey to Thailand?

The British Foreign Office has issued a warning stating that traveling against their recommendations—specifically to regions where they advise avoiding non-essential trips—could render your travel insurance invalid.

Since no 'no-go' advisory has been released for the areas impacted by the earthquakes, you aren’t guaranteed a refund if you decide to cancel your trip, which is known as 'lack of desire to travel'.

Reimbursement is only probable if your flight is cancelled Due to the airline’s decision or because your accommodation has been shut down following an earthquake.

Should you have made arrangements through a travel agency or tour operator, reach out to the organization directly for insight into your choices.

"If you're planning to visit Thailand in the coming days, start by contacting your airline or travel agent. Some areas might be considered off-limits due to safety concerns; as a result, airlines could decide to cancel certain flights. However, disruptions are expected to affect only specific regions, so where exactly you’re headed will determine whether your trip remains unaffected," explains Ernesto Suarez, CEO of travel insurance companies. Gigasure .

When disruptions occur due to natural disasters or factors beyond an airline's control, travelers typically have the option to modify their reservations; however, they might not receive any extra compensation.

Some insurance policies include natural disaster cover for an event that prevents travellers from reaching their holiday destination. You should read the terms and conditions carefully and talk to your provider for advice.