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Myanmar’s fledgling tourism industry is under extreme pressure after a serious earthquake hit the country on Friday. The epicenter of the 7.7 magnitude quake was near the central city of Sagaing, however, tremors were felt hundreds of miles away, including in neighboring Thailand.
The situation remains unclear, however, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said that almost 800,000 people live where “violent” shaking would be felt.
Video shared on social media appears to show widespread destruction in major cities across Myanmar, including hotels and areas popular with tourists.
Cross-Border Impact
Data from Myanmar’s Ministry of Hotels and Tourism shows just over 1 million overseas visitors entered the country in 2024. Political turmoil over recent years has dampened demand from inbound visitors.
Myanmar’s tourism figures compare to more than 35 million annual visitors for neighboring Thailand, where the earthquake has also caused damage.
Thailand’s capital has been declared a disaster area, Bangkok City Hall announced, with the governor now in charge of monitoring the situation. Authorities have issued nationwide alerts and airports, hospitals, and transport are “on standby” with citizens “urged to avoid high-rises”.
Jayson Heynis, a tourist visiting Bangkok from the United States, was on the top floor of Thailand’s tallest hotel, Baiyoke Sky Hotel, when the earthquake struck. “Nothing like being on the 84th floor of the tallest building in Bangkok when a 7.3 earthquake hits,” he posted on social media.
Heynis told Skift he was evacuated from the hotel by staff and has not yet been allowed back into his room which is on the 16th floor.
Visitors and tourists including US citizen Jayson Heynis were evacuated from one of the tallest hotels in Thailand, Baiyoke Sky Hotel. Credit: Jayson Heynis
“The city is a mess trying to get anywhere. Trains are closed and traffic is at a standstill. Even the tuk-tuk can’t move. Buildings are still evacuating with fears of aftershocks. Banks and ATMs are closed down,” he said.
A spokesperson for Baiyoke Sky Hotel told Skift staff were able to evacuate all guests safely. “There is no trace of damage on or around the building, which was designed to resit earthquakes.”
In other developments, Thai authorities have reopened airports, including the country’s main international hub in Bangkok. Airports of Thailand (AOT) said it has completed inspections of six airports, “confirming that the structural integrity of their buildings and aviation infrastructure meets safety standards.” All sites resumed normal operations as of 2:30 pm local time.
Governments Issue Travel Advice
As well as the immediate human impact, the severity and scale of the damage is likely to raise longer term issues for hotels and tour operators across the region.
Multiple foreign embassies are adjusting their travel advice. “There may be several strong after-shocks. If you’re in the area or planning to travel there, follow the advice of the local authorities and monitor local media,” the U.K’s Foreign Office said.
Notably, travel insurance could be invalidated if tourists travel against advice, its website warns.
In a post on X, U.K. authorities advised travelers that the epicenter was in the Sagaing region near Mandalay, but other areas may be affected. Mandalay Airport is closed and all flights are canceled due to the earthquake, according to Myanmar Airways.
Even before Friday’s earthquake, many countries advised against travel to all, or parts, of Myanmar.
“Do not travel to Myanmar due to the dangerous security situation and the threat of civil unrest and armed conflict,” advises Australia’s Foreign Affairs department.
Read our latest travel advice for #Myanmar with the addition of information that there has been a 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar, the epicentre is in Sagaing region near Mandalay, but other areas may be affected: https://t.co/0zTY4rb5fh pic.twitter.com/K4QuV4rFmJ— FCDO Travel Advice (@FCDOtravelGovUK) March 28, 2025
This is a breaking story that will be updated.
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