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.
- 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.
South China Morning Post 
The Japan Times 
