On March 28, 2025, a series of earthquakes rattled various regions of Thailand, prompting immediate safety assessments across the country’s popular tourist destinations. The tremors, originating from both Thailand and neighboring Myanmar, were felt in Bangkok and as far as the northern, northeastern, central, and southern regions, leading to concerns over potential damage to cultural heritage sites and natural attractions.
In response to the seismic activity, Mr. Arrathphon Cherdchansha, Director of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, ordered a thorough inspection of all national parks and tourist sites to ensure the safety of visitors. "The safety of tourists is of utmost importance. We are prioritizing the inspection of areas that may be at risk, such as cliffs, caves, and waterfalls," he stated.
As a precaution, the famous mineral spring at Sai Ngam was temporarily closed after officials noticed that the water had become murky due to sediment stirred up by the earthquakes. Despite no reported injuries or structural damage, the management decided to halt services until the water quality returned to normal. Similarly, the Pak Phra Waterfall and Fish Cave National Park reported that the sacred water sources had also turned cloudy, leading to the closure of these sites for one day.
In Chiang Mai, another popular tourist destination, the Bua Tong Waterfall and the Seven Color Spring were also affected. Mr. Krit Srisayam, director of the Protected Area Administration Office 16, confirmed that the park was temporarily closed while assessments were conducted to evaluate the structural integrity of the limestone cliffs surrounding the waterfall. Fortunately, initial inspections showed no significant damage, and the park was reopened shortly thereafter.
Meanwhile, in Kanchanaburi, the director of the Protected Area Administration Office 3 ordered a similar assessment of the Tharn Lod Cave area. Although no immediate damage was found, the park’s nature trails were closed temporarily as a safety measure. The Department of National Parks emphasized that it was crucial to monitor the situation closely and to prepare for any potential aftershocks.
In a parallel effort, the Ministry of Culture, led by Minister Ms. Suda Wanrongsuthipan, initiated a survey to assess the impact of the earthquakes on cultural sites and historical buildings. She instructed all regional cultural offices to gather information and report on any damages to government properties and ancient sites. "I am concerned about the potential damage to our cultural heritage due to the earthquakes. We must act swiftly to assess and restore these sites," she remarked.
With a focus on the Fine Arts Department, the Minister urged for rapid evaluations of archaeological sites across the country. She stated that any findings of damage would lead to restoration efforts being prioritized. "If we find that ancient sites have been affected, we will proceed with restoration according to established protocols," Ms. Suda added.
The earthquake’s aftereffects also raised alarms in the tourism sector. The Thai Hotels Association launched an urgent survey to gauge the impact of the tremors on hotel bookings and overall tourism confidence. President Mr. Teerasit Chaiyaphatranan expressed concerns that this seismic event could exacerbate existing issues with the Chinese tourist market, which has already been strained by previous incidents. "This earthquake could further shake the confidence of travelers, especially with the upcoming Songkran festival, which is critical for our tourism industry," he noted.
Despite these concerns, initial reports indicated that hotel occupancy rates in Bangkok remained relatively stable at around 50-60% as of March 28, 2025. However, the association urged hotels to prepare for potential fluctuations in bookings as the situation developed.
In light of the haze issue, exacerbated by recent forest fires and vegetation burning, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) has been working diligently to mitigate the haze problem. On March 29, Ms. Suda opened a haze prevention and mitigation center, emphasizing the need for rapid action to restore confidence among tourists. "We must ensure that our natural attractions remain safe and appealing to visitors," she stated.
The ministry is conducting thorough inspections of affected areas, particularly in northern provinces like Chiang Mai, Tak, and Nan, where haze levels have risen due to environmental factors. These efforts include coordinating with local authorities to assess and address the situation effectively.
As the situation unfolds, the Department of National Parks has reiterated the importance of keeping tourists informed about the status of attractions. They have advised travelers to monitor updates from official sources before planning their visits to northern tourist sites, ensuring their safety and preventing wasted trips to closed locations. "This earthquake serves as a crucial reminder of the need for preparedness in the face of natural disasters and prioritizing tourist safety above all," remarked Mr. Arrathphon.
In summary, the recent earthquakes have prompted a multi-faceted response from various government agencies in Thailand, focusing on ensuring public safety, assessing damage to cultural and natural sites, and maintaining tourism confidence during a critical season. The collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the Ministry of Culture aim to restore and reinforce the integrity of Thailand’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty in the wake of these challenges.
