Thailand, Myanmar, United Kingdom Urgent Travel Advisories Issued for Bangkok and Mandalay Following Earthquake and Aftershocks in Southeast Asia

The earthquake’s epicenter was located in Myanmar’s Sagaing region, just southwest of Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city. Reports confirmed that several parts of Mandalay’s former royal palace were damaged, with photos and videos circulated across social media platforms. In Sagaing, a 90-year-old bridge collapsed as tremors shook the region. Flights were also disrupted, with Mandalay International Airport temporarily closed, further complicating the movement of aid and travelers.

The quake’s impact extended across Myanmar’s central corridor, an area home to many temples, heritage landmarks, and rural villages, some of which are not yet fully accounted for in the disaster’s aftermath. For travelers considering a visit, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has stressed that the security situation in parts of Myanmar remains highly volatile, warning that travel restrictions can be introduced at any time by the country’s military authorities.

Bangkok Construction Collapse and Fatalities Confirmed in Thailand
In neighboring Thailand, the earthquake’s tremors were strongly felt across large portions of the country. In Bangkok, a high-rise building under construction collapsed, resulting in at least two confirmed fatalities and an undetermined number of injuries. Thai emergency responders were working through the debris as rescue operations continued. The event prompted immediate panic in the Thai capital, with residents and tourists fleeing buildings during the early afternoon quake and braving extreme heat as they searched for safety.

Thailand’s greater Bangkok area, home to over 17 million people, is densely populated with high-rise apartment buildings and tourism infrastructure, raising concerns about earthquake resilience in the capital’s urban zones. International tour operators with clients in Thailand have been urged to check hotel safety procedures, assess travel insurance coverage, and review building standards in light of the recent seismic activity.

UK Government Advises Against Travel to Specific Regions in Thailand
The FCDO reiterated its standing advisory against all but essential travel to several provinces in southern Thailand due to ongoing violence. These include:

• Pattani Province
• Yala Province
• Narathiwat Province
• Southern Songkhla Province, specifically south of the A43 road between Hat Yai and Sakom, and areas south of the train line between Hat Yai and Padang Besar

While these areas are unrelated to the earthquake itself, the FCDO stressed that the combination of natural hazards and regional unrest necessitates a high degree of caution for any travelers considering southern Thailand.

Travelers Urged to Follow Local and International Guidance
The UK’s advisory urges all travelers currently in or heading to Thailand or Myanmar to closely follow local authority instructions, stay in contact with tour operators, and monitor official channels for real-time updates. The FCDO also advised British nationals in need of urgent help to contact the British Embassy in Bangkok at +66 023058333.

In addition, the FCDO referred travelers to the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for preparedness tips related to earthquakes, including guidelines on what to do before, during, and after seismic events.

Seismic Risk and Tourism Infrastructure Under Scrutiny
The 7.7 magnitude quake, followed by a 6.4 aftershock, has not only caused tragic loss of life and heritage but has also reignited discussions about safety standards in Asian tourist hubs. Bangkok, with its skytrain network, high-rise hotels, and sprawling malls, remains a magnet for global tourists. Myanmar’s central regions, meanwhile, draw heritage travelers and spiritual tourists to sites like Bagan, Mandalay, and remote monasteries.

As Southeast Asia enters a peak tourism season—coinciding with festivals like Songkran in Thailand and Buddhist New Year celebrations in Myanmar—tourism boards may need to revisit disaster preparedness plans and communication strategies for international travelers.

Volatility and Uncertainty Ahead for Myanmar’s Tourism Recovery
While Myanmar had already been facing a significant downturn in international arrivals due to political instability and ongoing conflict, the earthquake introduces a new layer of complexity. The FCDO emphasized that the security situation in parts of the country can deteriorate without warning, and that visitors must consider their travel plans carefully, especially in regions outside of Yangon and well-known tourist corridors.

With Myanmar already on multiple international “do not travel” lists, the quake may further delay efforts by its tourism industry to rebuild credibility and attract foreign investment.

Tourism Agencies and Airlines on Alert
As of now, no commercial airlines have issued mass flight cancellations, though travelers flying into Mandalay, Bangkok, or Chiang Mai are advised to check with carriers for status updates. Earthquake-related disruption in air services is currently centered on Mandalay, but tourism professionals expect ripple effects across other parts of Myanmar and northern Thailand in the coming days.

Travel Insurance and Policy Review Recommended
Given the rapidly shifting situation, travel experts recommend that travelers revisit their insurance policies to ensure they cover natural disasters and emergency evacuation. Agencies are also urging customers to check cancellation and refund policies with hotels and tour operators in affected areas