VI
EN
Following the powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck midday on March 28th, with its epicenter in Myanmar, causing significant tremors across Thailand, the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs promptly updated the latest situation nationwide on March 29th.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the transportation system, including roads, railways, air routes, and waterways, has been quickly restored and is operating normally again. Tourists can now safely use airport services and travel by rail, road, and waterway without any obstacles. This demonstrates the speed and effectiveness of the Thai government's recovery efforts.
Rescuers search for victims in collapsed building in Bangkok on the afternoon of March 28.
Essential services, including electricity, water, telecommunications, and other public services, as well as businesses and tourism providers nationwide, resumed normal operations on March 29th. This indicates that, despite the strong intensity of the earthquake, its impact was limited to certain areas.
However, search and rescue operations are continuing in the hardest-hit areas. Rescue forces are working tirelessly to find people who may still be trapped under the rubble and to provide assistance to those affected by the earthquake.
The Thai government is trying to mitigate the damage caused by the earthquake.
The Thai government is making every effort to fully restore operations and ensure the safety of citizens and tourists. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and are prepared to respond to any further developments.
Regarding transportation, city transport in Bangkok has returned to normal. Services on the BTS Skytrain and long-distance routes resumed on the evening of March 28th, while the MRT Blue Line and Purple Line operated normally on the morning of March 29th. The Pink Line and Yellow Line, primarily serving suburban areas of Bangkok, remain temporarily closed. The high-speed rail system Red Line (SRT Red Line) and Airport Rail Link are operating smoothly, ensuring uninterrupted travel for residents and tourists.
Regarding air travel, all airports in Bangkok are operating normally. In particular, at Suvarnabhumi Airport, all public transportation systems within the airport are functioning smoothly, indicating that the situation has been fully controlled and restored. Thailand's national railway system has also resumed normal operations, with all long-distance train services from Krung Thep Aphiwat station serving passengers as usual. Passengers can contact the Customer Relations Information Center at 1690 (24/7) for further details.
Following the earthquake, Suvarnabhumi Airport was reportedly packed with people after the earthquake on the afternoon of March 28th.
Road traffic in Bangkok is operating normally, except for the Din Daeng Expressway, which is temporarily closed for structural safety inspections. Alternative routes are available via the Sirat Expressway. All bridges across the Chao Phraya River remain open to traffic. The Bangkok Public Transport Authority (BMTA) has increased bus services in Bangkok and surrounding areas, operating throughout the night to serve passengers. Expressways connecting to neighboring provinces, such as the Rama 2 Highway connecting Bangkok to Hua Hin, are operating normally.
Regarding other services, all major shopping malls in Bangkok, including Siam Paragon, CentralWorld, ICONSIAM, and King Power, have reopened and are welcoming customers. This shows that business and tourism activities in Bangkok have quickly returned to normal after the earthquake.
Many subway and elevated train stations have resumed operation. As of the morning of March 29th, many tourists were still staying home, waiting for 24 hours (for possible aftershocks) before resuming their normal sightseeing and travel plans in Thailand.
Centralworld Bangkok, an entertainment complex in Bangkok, was also crowded with locals and tourists again on the morning of March 29th.
Although the aftershocks of the 7.7 magnitude earthquake still linger, with smaller aftershocks continuing to occur, the Thai Meteorological Department has reassured residents and tourists that these aftershocks have not caused any further damage across the country. The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also issued an official statement, asserting that "the situation has largely returned to normal."
Economic, social, and tourism activities have quickly resumed, bringing reassurance to residents and visitors. However, stakeholders, including the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, the Bangkok government, and the relevant provinces, remain on high alert. They are closely monitoring the situation and are ready to provide necessary assistance should any unexpected developments occur.
In case of emergency, international tourists staying in Thailand can contact local authorities or call the following hotlines for immediate assistance: 191 (general emergency), 1155 (tourist police), 199 (fire and rescue), 1669 (emergency medical services), and 1784 (Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation). These hotlines operate 24/7 and are ready to assist tourists in any emergency situation.
