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4w ago

Myanmar Earthquake Triggers 10-15% Projected Drop in Thai Tourism

Thailand's tourism sector faces mounting challenges as safety concerns from the Myanmar earthquake exacerbate pre-existing declines in visitor numbers.

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Overview

  • The 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar has caused widespread destruction, with over 1,600 deaths reported, and ripple effects across the region.
  • Thailand's tourism industry is bracing for a 10-15% drop in foreign arrivals over the next two weeks due to safety concerns stemming from the quake.
  • Approximately 10% of foreign tourists in Thailand checked out of their hotels early after the earthquake, though some later returned.
  • Thai officials, led by Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong, are conducting safety audits of hotels and tourist spots to restore traveler confidence.
  • The tourism sector, which contributes 13% to Thailand's GDP and employs one in five people, was already struggling due to declining Chinese visitors linked to safety and trafficking concerns.