Last Friday’s powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake, originating between Myanmar and Thailand, has raised significant concerns about the future of Thailand’s tourism sector. While the earthquake did not cause widespread destruction to infrastructure such as buildings, airports, or popular tourist destinations, the situation has led to safety challenges that are having an impact on tourism.
The earthquake’s epicenter was located in the central region of Myanmar, but the tremors were felt across neighboring countries, including Thailand. Myanmar has been the hardest hit, with over 1,700 fatalities, more than 3,400 people injured, and over 300 people still missing. In Thailand, the quake resulted in the death of 18 individuals, with 76 others sustaining injuries. The collapse of a construction site in Bangkok was identified as one of the most significant losses, with 10 people killed when the building fell.
Tourist Concerns and Diminishing Arrivals
Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia, known for its stunning beaches, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant entertainment scene. With millions of visitors flocking to Thailand each year, the country was ranked 8th globally in terms of tourist arrivals in 2023, attracting nearly 40 million travelers. However, recent trends have shown a decline in tourist numbers, with 8.9 million visitors arriving in January 2025 alone.
A key factor behind this decline is the growing security concerns in the region. International cybercriminals, taking advantage of Myanmar’s political instability, have been reportedly targeting young people from Thailand’s cities, including Bangkok, for human trafficking and cybercrime activities. Reports of such criminal activities have instilled fear among potential tourists, especially from China, Europe, and other Southeast Asian countries.
Since February 2025, the tourism industry in Thailand has been seeing a downward trend, with concerns rising even further after the recent earthquake. Local authorities are focusing on safety, and while physical damage has been minimal, the fear generated by the earthquake and ongoing safety challenges is causing tourists to reconsider their travel plans.
Impact on Tourism Bookings and Economic Consequences
Following the earthquake, there was a noticeable dip in hotel bookings, with the Thai Hotel Association estimating a 10% cancellation rate in international bookings. Many tourists have opted to cancel or postpone their trips, either due to the fear generated by the quake or to avoid the uncertainty created by ongoing safety challenges. Estimates suggest a further 10-15% decrease in tourists over the next couple of weeks.
Tourism is an essential part of Thailand’s economy, contributing to approximately 13% of the country’s GDP and providing jobs to one in five people. Any significant decline in tourist numbers can have a considerable impact on the national economy. The loss of revenue from tourism affects not only businesses in the sector but also the overall employment rate and local communities that rely heavily on tourism income.
Government Measures to Address the Crisis
In response to the recent earthquake and the impact on tourism, Thai authorities have assured tourists that measures are being taken to ensure safety. Minister of Sports and Tourism, Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, announced that authorities will conduct a thorough assessment of the damages caused by the earthquake and ensure the safety of tourists in the affected areas. Additionally, tourist police have been actively inspecting hotels and popular tourist attractions to provide additional security.
Local media reports indicate that no foreign tourists have been harmed as a result of the earthquake. Phuket, one of the country’s top tourist islands, which receives the highest number of international visitors, continues to operate normally, with Phuket International Airport fully functional. Travel agencies in the region are also ensuring that operations proceed smoothly, despite the concerns raised by recent events.
Will Thailand’s Tourism Recover?
While the earthquake has undoubtedly raised concerns about the safety and security of tourism in Thailand, the overall impact on the country’s tourism sector remains uncertain. Authorities are focused on restoring confidence among tourists, implementing safety measures, and ensuring that the island’s tourism infrastructure remains operational. For now, Thailand continues to be a popular travel destination, despite the challenges posed by the earthquake and security concerns.
As Thailand works to stabilize its tourism sector, travelers are encouraged to stay informed about the current situation, monitor updates from official sources, and plan accordingly if they intend to visit in the coming months. Whether or not the country can maintain its position as a top tourist destination in the face of these challenges will depend on the swift action taken to address safety concerns and ensure the continued attraction of international visitors.
