Thailand’s authorities have moved to assure tourists that the country is operating as normal after a massive 7,7-magnitude earthquake struck neighbouring Myanmar on Friday, March 28, and was felt as far away as Bangkok.
Officials say the quake, which had its epicentre in northwest Myanmar, was the largest to hit the nation in more than a century. Along with Thailand, tremors were felt in parts of Bangladesh, Vietnam and China, Karryon reports.
According to CNN, at least 1 700 people are now confirmed dead in Myanmar, but experts warn the true toll may take weeks to emerge. In Bangkok, where the quake damaged buildings and bridges, at least 17 more deaths have been recorded, Al Jazeera reported late Sunday evening (March 30).
Tremors were felt in some northern and central Thailand areas, including Bangkok. At 15h00 on March 28, the Prime Minister declared Bangkok an emergency zone.
Current status
The Thailand Tourism Authority has provided the current status of transportation, activities and events in Bangkok:
Bangkok city travel
- Services on the BTS Skytrain and long-distance routes resumed by the evening of March 28.
- The MRT Blue Line and Purple Line resumed operations on the morning of March 29.
- The Red Line Mass Transit System (SRT Red Line) and the Airport Rail Link are operating as usual.
- On Sunday, March 30, the Yellow Line reopened but the Pink Line will remain closed.
Air travel
All Bangkok airports remain operational. At Suvarnabhumi Airport, all public transportation systems are on normal schedules.
Rail travel
The State Railway and all long-distance train services from Krung Thep Aphiwat Station are now operating normally.
Road travel
- Road travel in Bangkok is open as usual, except for the Din Daeng Expressway, which is temporarily closed for structural safety inspections. Alternative routes are available via Sirat Expressway.
- All bridges over the Chao Phraya River remain open. The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority has increased bus services in Bangkok and surrounding areas, operating throughout the night to accommodate travellers.
- Highways connecting to surrounding provinces are operating as usual, such as Rama 2 Road, which connects Bangkok to Hua Hin.
Shopping malls
All shopping malls, including Siam Paragon, CentralwOrld, ICONSIAM, King Power, and all shopping centres under the Mall Group and EM DISTRICT, such as Emporium and Emquartier, are now open as usual.
Events and festivals
All tourism-related services in Bangkok and its surrounding provinces and in all destinations across Thailand are operating as usual.
All events and festivals remain as scheduled, including the Maha Songkran World Water Festival at Sanam Luang and the Songkran events planned in destinations up and down the country.
