A state of emergency is in place in Thailand and Myanmar following a 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck at midday on 28 March 2025. With its epicentre at a shallow depth of around 10km and located just over 17km from Myanmar’s second-largest city, Mandalay, the quake sent violent aftershocks southward into the Thai capital, Bangkok, and was reportedly felt across much of the nation.
Amid widespread destruction of buildings and roads, at least 153 people have been confirmed dead, while others remain trapped under rubble. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) estimates the final death toll could reach up to 10,000.
Thai airports and transit “operating as normal”
On the travel front, Thailand’s six main airports — Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai, Phuket, and Hat Yai — were declared safe and fully operational just two and a half hours later, with minimal disruption to inbound or outbound flights, according to FlightRadar data. However, prospective air passengers are advised to check road and traffic conditions and allow ample time to reach the airport: three hours before departure for international flights and two hours for domestic journeys.
The quake coincided with the Thailand Tourism Festival at the National Convention Centre (26–30 March), and although Bangkok has been declared a “disaster area”, the Tourism Authority of Thailand insists that “we are still operating as normal.” Initial warnings were issued regarding delays on the Rangsit rail link, which operates on elevated tracks, and the temporary suspension of two subway lines (MRT Blue and Purple), as well as the BTS Skytrain to and from Suvarnabhumi, due to emergency protocols.
At the time of writing, however, the authority’s website states that “the situation has now returned to normal. Businesses have resumed operations and tourist attractions, as well as various convention centres, are open as usual.” The authority notes that “periodic assessments will continue to be conducted to ensure maximum safety” and that its head office will be closed on 31 March and 1 April 2025 for safety inspections.
Official travel advisories note potential aftershocks
While Thai authorities emphasise that it is business as usual, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice for Thailand and Myanmar, noting the likelihood of further aftershocks in both countries. The US emergency preparedness website, Ready.gov, advises that during an earthquake one should stay in place if indoors, find an open area if already outside, and if possible, drop, take cover (e.g. under a table), and hold on.
Despite the risk of additional tremors, the FCDO has not issued a warning against travel to Thailand. This means holidaymakers may not be covered by insurance if they cancel trips voluntarily. Travellers should review their policy terms for natural disaster coverage.
“Do Not Travel” warnings for Myanmar
In Myanmar, the situation is markedly more severe. Mandalay Airport is currently closed, and the FCDO continues to advise against all travel to many parts of the country. Since the military coup in 2021, Myanmar has faced ongoing unrest, with thousands of civilian deaths and ongoing risks of “widespread violence” due to clashes between the military junta and opposition forces.
Mandalay, Myanmar , a scene of massive destruction from a powerful aftershock earthquake.
— BlueGreen Planet (@De_le_Vega) March 30, 2025
Rescue teams are still working tirelessly as aftershocks continue, according to a report from China's Xinhua News Agency#earthquake#earthquakemyanmarpic.twitter.com/lee3oE5zKF
The FCDO advises against all travel to the following areas:
- Chin State
- Kachin State
- Kayah State
- Kayin State
- Mon State
- Rakhine State
- Sagaing and Magway regions
- Tanintharyi Region, excluding Myeik township and the archipelago/townships south of Tanintharyi township
- Northern Shan State
- Northern Mandalay Region (townships north of Mandalay City and Pyin Oo Lwin)
- East of the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway in Bago Region
‼️🇲🇲 Horrific scenes from earthquake-stricken Myanmar, where the death toll has already surpassed 1,000. #earthquake pic.twitter.com/5gF9nlD6CN
— Maimunka News (@MaimunkaNews) March 29, 2025
The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:
- Southern and Eastern Shan State
- Mandalay Region
- Tanintharyi Region south of Tanintharyi township
- The rest of Bago Region
- The townships of Kyangin, Myanaung, Ingapu, Lemyethna, Yegyi, Thabaung and Pathein in Ayeyarwady Region
