The recent 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar and neighboring Thailand has led some UAE residents to cancel their Eid Al Fitr travel plans, prioritizing safety over their holiday getaways.
While travel agencies report no significant surge in cancellations for the long weekend, some travelers have opted to change their plans due to uncertainty surrounding the situation in Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, which has been severely impacted by the disaster.
Dubai resident Ahmed Ali and his group of five friends had eagerly planned a Bangkok trip, paying AED 3,700 each for a four-day holiday. However, after seeing the destruction caused by the earthquake, they decided to forgo their travel plans. “We were excited to explore Bangkok, but after watching the news, we knew we couldn’t take the risk. Safety comes first,” said Ali.
Instead, the group has decided to spend their Eid break in Musandam, Oman. “It’s not Bangkok, but we’ll still make the most of it. We’re looking forward to a peaceful escape with stunning landscapes,” Ali added.
Despite the earthquake’s impact, demand for Thailand as a travel destination remains strong. Travel agencies noted that most holiday packages had already sold out long before the quake hit, reflecting the country’s popularity among UAE residents seeking quick and affordable getaways. “We have yet to see mass cancellations. Many travelers are still heading to Thailand, particularly to destinations like Phuket and Chiang Mai, which remain largely unaffected,” said Subair Thekepurathvalappil, senior manager at Wisefox Tourism.
Survivors Share Their Ordeal
Dubai-based content creator Mariam George was in Bangkok when the earthquake struck at 1:20 p.m. local time. “I was getting a massage when suddenly, the room felt like it was spinning. We all ran out in a panic,” she recounted.
Mariam was scheduled to fly back to Dubai on March 29, but the chaos in the city has left her uncertain about her departure. “The roads are blocked, and I haven’t received any updates from my airline. There are reports that the airport may be affected,” she said.
The earthquake has claimed more than 700 lives in Myanmar and Thailand, with many workers still trapped under debris in Bangkok. Thai officials continue to monitor aftershocks, warning that further tremors could occur.
Embassies Issue Travel Advisories
The UAE Embassy in Bangkok has urged Emirati citizens to remain cautious and follow safety instructions issued by local authorities. It has also provided emergency contact numbers (0097180024 or 0097180044444) and encouraged residents to register for the Tawajudi service.
The Royal Thai Embassy in Abu Dhabi assured that communication lines in Thailand remain operational, allowing travelers to stay in touch with their families. It also advised those in need of assistance to reach out to their respective embassies.
Despite concerns, UAE-based airlines confirm that flights between the UAE and Thailand continue to operate as scheduled. Thailand’s Civil Aviation Authority has stated that air travel in and out of Bangkok remains unaffected.
As aftershocks continue and rescue efforts intensify, travelers are urged to stay updated on developments before proceeding with their plans.