A devastating earthquake recently struck Myanmar, sending shockwaves across the region, with Thailand, also profoundly feeling its impact.
Two questions now arise: Is it safe to travel and will Songkran Festival proceed?
The 7.7 Richter scale quake hit without warning, leaving destruction in its wake. Several areas in Thailand, including the capital, Bangkok, experienced significant tremors, and some parts of the city suffered considerable damage.
Skyscrapers collapsed, hotel swimming pools exploded, and many people were rescued from the rubble. While it may sound like a scene from a disaster film, this was the harsh reality that disrupted the lives of countless individuals in late March 2025.
According to recent reports, Bangkok is rarely affected by earthquakes, so the recent tremors were a surprising event for both locals and tourists. However, Bangkok’s distance from the epicentre in Myanmar means the city remains relatively safe.
That being said, aftershocks could still occur over the next few weeks, though they are generally expected to be weaker. If aftershocks reach Thailand, it is unlikely that they will cause damage as severe as the initial quake.
Tsunami warnings were not issued for Bangkok or any other part of Thailand as well. While such events are unpredictable, travellers can rest assured that the main earthquake has passed. However, those who prefer to wait a few weeks for the situation to stabilise may opt for alternative destinations within the region.
Transportation and road closures in Bangkok
Following the earthquake, Bangkok’s BTS Skytrain service was temporarily suspended, and several roads were closed, causing traffic congestion. Both BTS and MRT services have swiftly returned to full capacity, and travelling around Bangkok should not pose any issues.
However, the Chatuchak area, where a building collapsed, is still undergoing repairs. Some shops and malls in the vicinity remain open, but those with sensitive skin or respiratory issues are advised to avoid the area for now. Several high-rise hotels in Bangkok also sustained minor damage, including cracked walls and peeling paint.
Songkran Festival is on schedule
The grand Songkran Water Festival, Thailand’s biggest celebration, will proceed as planned in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and other locations. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) assures that the earthquake will not disrupt this much-anticipated event, which will be held from 12-15th April.
Thailand is eagerly preparing to welcome visitors with joy, and TAT has confirmed that travel, transportation, hotel bookings, and entertainment venues remain unaffected by the quake.
TAT also confirmed that tourists have not cancelled their bookings, and tour operators have not withdrawn any reservations. Furthermore, highways across the country are intact and fully accessible for travel.
To ensure tourists' safety, TAT has partnered with the Thailand Institute of Technology and the Department of Public Works to inspect high-rise hotels.