Rescuers use a heavy duty machine to clear the rubble in Bangkok, Thailand, Saturday, March 29, 2025, as they search for victims at the site of a high-rise building under construction that collapsed after Friday's earthquake. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
The recent 7.7 earthquake in Myanmar has shaken up Thailand's tourism, already wobbling under safety concerns.
The quake, which rocked buildings in Bangkok and other hot spots, may cause a drastic 10%-15% drop in international tourist arrivals over the next fortnight, according to the Thai Hotels Association. Concerns over safety have already led 10% of foreign tourists to check out early, though some returned due to lack of alternatives.
The tourism sector, vital to Thailand's economy, is bracing for a short-term impact as Minister of Tourism Sorawong Thienthong assured tourists of their safety. Meanwhile, an audit of hotels and tourist attractions is underway to ease fears.
The economy, where tourism fuels employment for about 20% of the workforce and accounts for 13% of GDP, is already striving for a 3% growth amid trade export challenges.
While Bangkok faced structural damage, most notably the tragic collapse of a high-rise construction site leading to fatalities, the swift assurance from Thai authorities aims to bolster tourism confidence.
Although the bustling Songkran festival approaches, current bookings are below pre-pandemic levels, reflecting persistent safety concerns. Chinese tourists, a significant demographic, remain hesitant due to past regional safety issues.
Despite the tremors, the year-to-date figures show a slight increase in tourism numbers, reaching 8.9 million, yet challenges remain with falling numbers since February's Lunar New Year surge.
Experts predict a potential decline from the forecasted 38.1 million arrivals this year, highlighting the urgent need to address safety perceptions. For Thailand, known for its enchanting beaches and cultural sites, the quake is yet another bump on an already rocky road in tourism recovery.
People are evacuated from buildings at the Government Complex in Laksi district, Bangkok. (Photo: Government Complex)
Several buildings in Bangkok were evacuated late Monday morning amid reports of vibrations and cracks appearing in the buildings.
The evacuations occurred about 10am. Affected premises included Building A of the Government Complex on Chaeng Watthana Rd, the Ministry of Labour in Din Daeng district and court buildings on Ratchadaphisek Road.
People were also cleared from the headquarters of Government Housing Bank in Huai Khwang district, the Criminal Court on Ratchadaphisek and the Social Security Office in Din Daeng.
At the Government Complex and the Ministry of Labour there were reports of vibrations and cracks appearing.
Thailand's new digital entry system, set to replace TM6 forms from May 2025, is raising concerns among travellers. Testing reveals glitches and fears about accessibility, while a tourist levy linked to the system could impact foreign tourism targets.
Thailand is testing a new digital traveller entry system, which is being operated by the Immigration Bureau of the Royal Thai Police. At length, in January, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports announced that such a system would come into force on May 1st, 2025. Indeed, it would replace the old TM6 cards, which were abolished the previous year on April 30th, 2024. However, there are fears that the new system being tested will cause problems. On the one hand, the new requirement for travellers is another imposition on them, while on the other, it is seen as improving security and paving the way for a foreign tourism levy. In turn, this will help provide automatic insurance coverage to visitors to the kingdom.
There is mounting concern about would-be travellers to Thailand over the coming months over the new Electronic Travel Authorisation system set to be mandatory for all incoming passengers from May 1st, 2025.
Certainly, last year the cabinet ordered the Immigration Bureau to do away with the old pale blue and white TM6 form.
That was on April 30, 2024. At length, this came after it was discovered that forms collected at Immigration Bureau checkpoints were stored in massive warehouses.
Government audit led to the decision to abolish the TM6 form and streamline entry procedures for visitors
Indeed, this move came years after a government audit set up to cut red tape recommended its abolition. Presently, travellers entering Thailand can walk straight through except for receiving an entry stamp.
In the meantime, hotel operators file a TM30 with the Immigration Bureau for new guests. In short, this takes place as they register to stay at their hotel.
Certainly, the new emphasis on the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system is all about security. Thailand has certainly lost ground in China over the country's perceived lack of security control. Particularly, the debate over the kidnapping of Chinese actor Wang Xang in January. In turn, that saw a high-level Chinese security delegation visit the kingdom. After that, the Chinese authorities at the highest level ordered a crackdown.
This eventually led to the crackdown in February 2025. At length, electricity was turned off to five areas of Myanmar. Later, thousands of scam centre slaves were released and transported home, in particular to China.
In brief, the story has shaken confidence in Thailand.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is currently testing the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) in May 2025
At length, the new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system is presently being tested by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. Indeed, they are working in tandem with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In summary, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Mr. Mongkon Wimonrat, earlier acknowledged the potential for problems.
On one hand, he clarified that the new system will be mandatory for all incoming travellers. However, on the other hand, he made it clear that the system would need tweaking and testing.
Certainly, that is what we are witnessing right now. The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system means all travellers without a Thai passport must be cleared to travel to Thailand.
In particular, and this worries many regular foreign tourists to the kingdom, we were told in January the government has resurrected technology from the COVID-19 era.
Undoubtedly, that period was a disaster for Thailand's foreign tourism industry. For instance, insecurity and a lack of confidence in the process itself put off and deterred visitors to the kingdom.
Government's push towards the ETA system raises questions about its effectiveness and its potential impact
Nevertheless, the Thai government is moving forward towards this at this time. In brief, any passenger with a visa requires a barcode confirmed by the system to enter Thailand.
The system online presently is called the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) system. At length, it is causing panic as users find it difficult to navigate. At the same time, they report glitches in trying to use it. Nevertheless, on Saturday, our reporters had little difficulty with it. Indeed, it appeared stable and straightforward.
In particular, older travellers are asking what the option is for tourists or travellers who do not have a smartphone. Indeed, for those without access to the internet at all.
Furthermore, users have reported trouble accessing a video tutorial explaining the system.
"Am I surprised? Nope. What happens if you don't have a smartphone?" exclaimed one frustrated user this week.
Users report difficulties with the TDAC system, raising concerns over accessibility and usability
However, the system online presently appears easy enough to use. Basically, users are asked to file their passport details.
After that, they are asked for their name, date of birth, occupation, country and city of residence and phone number. Indeed, these are all mandatory. In addition, they may optionally provide visa references.
Step two asks them to provide details on their trip or accommodation in Thailand. Finally, step three involves a health declaration for the travellers.
Afterwards, the system issues a barcode clearance which is, in effect, the green card for entering Thailand. Of course, this is in addition to a valid passport and other visa requirements.
Significantly, this process must be submitted within 72 hours prior to the scheduled arrival date. After that, the QR code is issued. Certainly, this system is also linked to the Thailand Pass application used during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The new regime is indeed similar to systems in use in other countries, particularly the United Kingdom. Afterwards, it is seen as a possible first step to eventually collecting a tourist charge or tax levy.
At length, this has consistently been postponed by the government.
Tourist levy linked to the new ETA system could provide automatic insurance cover for foreign visitors
Significantly, this tourist levy is planned to come with automatic insurance coverage of up to ฿500,000. Therefore, it has been broadly supported by the Thai foreign tourism industry. This comes despite fears it may act as an impediment to the country reaching its foreign tourist target this year.
Certainly, this Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, now known as the Thailand Digital Arrival Card, would in particular be seen as a success for the government.
Additionally, while the TDAC is not a visa application, some travellers have mistakenly conflated the two. Those entering visa-free, as well as those with visas and work permits, must still complete the process.
Concerns have also emerged over whether the TDAC could evolve into a broader data collection tool or even a precursor to an exit card requirement, although no official confirmation has been given.
Concerns grow over potential future complications and lack of clarity surrounding the TDAC system
As Thailand pushes towards digitalisation in its immigration systems, clarity is still lacking. It comes as a scandal has blown up over the lack of faith in biometric screening system installed in 2019 at a price of ฿2.1 billion. In short, this is linked to prohibitively expensive licensing fees, according to a parliamentary panel.
Questions remain on how offline travellers will deal with the system. For instance, whether paper backups will still be needed. Indeed, how the collected information will be processed at entry points.
With the deadline fast approaching, it is unclear whether the authorities will be fully prepared. Meanwhile, there is always the possibility that last-minute changes will add to the confusion. Finally, whether the new system will be postponed yet again.
Notably, it is coming into operation at a time when there are fears about foreign tourism arrival numbers. However, this is normal for the off-peak season. At the same time, Thailand has never been so dependent economically on foreign tourism income.
The following is a widely shared reader submission and not original content from TPN Media but as we thought it was good advice have shared it to our readers, but note the opinions expressed are their own.
To all Thai residents,
EARTHQUAKE SAFETY UPDATE: Why Bangkok Shakes More – And What Expats & Tourists Need to Know
Following the recent earthquake from Myanmar felt across parts of Thailand, including Bangkok, many residents and visitors are concerned about aftershocks, building safety, and where to go if they feel unsafe. Here's what you need to know—and why Bangkok experiences stronger tremors compared to other parts of the country.
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Why Did Bangkok Shake So Much?
Even when an earthquake happens far away—in northern Thailand, Laos, or Myanmar—Bangkok often feels the tremors more than closer cities like Chiang Mai. The reason? Soft soil.
Bangkok sits on a thick layer of soft clay, part of what geologists call the Bangkok Basin. This type of soil acts like jelly: when seismic waves pass through it, the ground amplifies the shaking instead of absorbing it. As a result, even distant earthquakes can cause buildings in Bangkok to sway, especially high-rise condos and offices.
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Why Other Cities Feel Less Shaking
Chiang Mai may be closer to fault lines, but it's built on rocky, stable ground. The soil there doesn't amplify tremors like Bangkok's does.
Pattaya and Hua Hin also sit on firmer terrain, making them far less sensitive to regional seismic activity.
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Should You Leave Bangkok If You Feel Unsafe?
If you are staying in an older building, on a high floor, or simply feel anxious after the recent tremor, it is okay to temporarily relocate. Many expats and tourists have already chosen to head to:
Pattaya – about 2 hours from Bangkok
Hua Hin – about 3 hours from Bangkok
Both cities are built on firmer ground, are not known for major seismic activity, and offer plenty of accommodation, beach access, and tourist services.
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What to Look for in Your Building
If you're staying in Bangkok:
Inspect your room or unit for cracks in walls or ceilings
Check that doors and windows open and close normally
Look for visible tilting or damage in the hallway or structure
If something seems off, notify your building manager or landlord immediately.
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Will the Thai Government Inspect Damaged Buildings?
Yes. You can report suspected building damage to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). They may send engineers or officials to inspect the property.
Hotlines to Contact:
BMA Hotline: 1555
Tourist Police: 1155
Emergency Services: 191
Medical Help: 1669
If you're a renter, your building owner or management should file a report on your behalf.
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What to Do If You Feel Another Earthquake
Inside a building? Drop, cover, and hold on. Stay away from windows and don't use the elevator.
Outside? Move to an open area, away from buildings and signs.
Driving? Stop the car in a clear spot and stay inside until the shaking ends.
After any quake, watch for aftershocks and check your surroundings before re-entering a building.
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Travel Smart – Stay Calm – Stay Informed
Whether you're a long-term resident or just visiting Thailand, knowing what to do—and where to go—makes all the difference. Bangkok may not be in a high-risk earthquake zone, but due to its soil, it feels tremors more than other places.
If you're not comfortable staying in the capital right now, there's no harm in heading to safer, more stable destinations like Pattaya or Hua Hin. Both have solid infrastructure, beach access, and lower seismic sensitivity.🙏
International tax lawyer Victor Wong and tax auditor Suthasinee Piriyakijkomol review the first year of tax liability on overseas remittances.
Thai international law attorney Victor Wong doubts that the major concern of either Thai immigration or the Thai Revenue Department is the plight of retiree expats on fixed incomes. He told Pattaya Mail that TRD was aware of billions of baht imported dubiously into Thailand via off-shore accounts, cryptocurrency transactions and untaxed income from overseas corporations. Both Thai citizens and foreign speculators were involved.
As regards Thai immigration authorities, their main concern is visa-related regulation and investigations into business fraud such as unauthorized working, use of nominees as shareholders and illegal short-term renting of condominium units. "In spite of rumors, I have seen no evidence of TRD seeking to identify expats through their visas except those who are accused of a criminal offence," said Victor.
He said that TRD had introduced the policy (a reinterpretation and not a change in the law) that "assessable" overseas income was subject to taxation from January 2024, but there were many exceptions. Thus foreigners living in Thailand for less than 180 days in the calendar year are exempt, as are those who transferred less than 120,000 baht (around US$3,500) or those living on historical savings (money transferred on or before December 31 2023).
Double taxation treaties are also relevant according to Professor Suthasinee Piriyakijkomol, a tax auditor and associate judge of the Labor Court. "The agreements differ country by country, but my advice is to keep a detailed record of tax paid in the home country as this can be used, if need be, to offset any future TRD demands," she said. She agreed that some agreements were more detailed than others on personal taxation. For example, the American treaty is more detailed on US pension or social security income, and where it should be paid, than the British one.
Victor said that one of the biggest loopholes in tax collection is cryptocurrency which can lead to investment fraud, mule accounts and money laundering. For example, traders change currency to stablecoins, then quickly transfer that to a digital asset exchange outside the country and finally change it to cash again. "The point here is that these crimes are rarely, if ever, connected to retirees living out their later lives here. But they consume a great deal of Revenue and police time."
The international lawyer concluded, "I'm not saying Thai retirees need not be concerned about taxes here. For example, most countries (including Thailand) can theoretically share private banking data through the CRS or Common Reporting System designed to discourage international financial crime." He added that nobody can predict the future except that new technology will become more and more pervasive.
The deadline for reporting foreign income (transferred in 2024) manually is the end of March 2025. There's a week's extension for online returns. According to amateur research on Facebook, up to a half of foreign retirees in Thailand have not heard of the TRD policy or have only the vaguest notion. So far at any rate, virtually no government press releases or TRD publicity has been directed at retirees. The one exception has been the marketing ploy that the 10-year Long Term Residence visa excuses holders from taxation on overseas remittances. Not to mention the added bonus of no 90 days reporting.
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) reports damage in 14 provinces following yesterday's earthquake.
There have been 9 fatalities, 9 injuries, and 101 missing persons. Emergency disaster relief zones have been declared in Pathum Thani, Phrae, and all of Bangkok.
No additional casualties have been reported outside of Bangkok.
Reported damage in 14 provinces includes:
- Chiang Mai: Structural damage to buildings, including a hospital parking structure, condominiums, and temples. Some houses were also affected.
- Chiang Rai: Minor cracks in a hospital building and damage to a temple roof. A concrete beam at a railway station under construction collapsed onto six vehicles, but no injuries were reported.
- Lamphun: Several houses and temples suffered damage, including a collapsed gate, cracked hospital walls, and a damaged clock tower. A warehouse and water system were also affected.
- Lampang: Houses, temples, and public buildings sustained damage, including cracks in hospitals and a university building. Some agricultural storage facilities were also impacted.
- Mae Hong Son: The new provincial hall, hospitals, and a tourist rest area were damaged. No injuries reported.
- Phrae: Partial damage to a residential parking area.
- Phetchabun: Damage to an agricultural facility.
- Sukhothai: A tobacco storage building was damaged.
- Bangkok: A 30-story building under construction collapsed in Chatuchak District, resulting in 8 deaths, 9 injuries, and 101 missing persons. In Bang Sue District, a construction crane collapsed, killing 1 person.
- Ayutthaya: A water tank collapsed, but no injuries were reported.
- Nonthaburi: Ceiling collapse at a hospital injured 1 person. A shopping mall reported cracks and minor structural damage but no injuries.
- Samut Prakan: A temple's front balcony developed minor cracks.
- Samut Sakhon: A hospital building sustained cracks.
Thailand is mulling a change to its tourist policy, potentially shortening visa-free stays for Chinese visitors. Currently, the visa-free duration stands at a generous 90 days. The new plan could see this slashed to a mere 30 days, according to Sorawong Thienthong, the Tourism and Sports Minister.
The reasoning is clear: most Chinese tourists don't linger for long. Mr. Thienthong highlighted that the majority leave by the 15-day mark. Exceptions exist, mostly among those eager to learn Thai boxing or culinary arts. Thus, he suggests that 30 days is just right.
Now, let's rewind a bit. In March 2025, a mutual visa-free pact was born. This agreement allowed citizens from Thailand and China to pop over for 30 days, with an overall tally not exceeding 90 days every six months. But this new proposal could soon change the game.
Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong. Picture courtesy of Thai PBS.
Concerns? Thienthong assures us there's no link between the review and any shady business dealings by Chinese firms in Thailand. This is all about aligning the tourist wave with local capacity.
The "We Travel Together" programme is set for a revival. This well-loved scheme will return in May or June, aiming to pep up the travel scene during the quieter months.
Amidst this, government officials will be happy. They can join the travel scheme without sacrificing leave days, embracing the new norm of working online wherever they may roam. All this adds up to a travel-friendly move that aligns tourism with modern work habits.
Thailand's restaurant industry is grappling with a severe downturn, with consumer purchasing power plummeting by over 40% in early 2025, according to Thanivarn Kulmongkol, President of the Thai Restaurant Association. As economic recovery slows and incomes stagnate, consumers are prioritising savings over dining out, exacerbating financial strain on eateries.
This decline affects a wide range of establishments, from independent restaurants to food stalls in malls, all scrambling to stay competitive. With customer reluctance to purchase meals priced over 80 baht, many restaurants have resorted to slashing prices to 40-50 baht per dish.
Competition intensifies with the rise of Chinese-run "zero-dollar" restaurants offering cheap meals, putting additional pressure on local businesses. The industry, valued at 700 billion baht, is seeing frequent closures, underscoring the cutthroat market conditions.
A glimmer of hope lies in the upcoming Songkran festival, which traditionally boosts sales as families reunite to celebrate. Furthermore, the government plans to introduce a digital currency scheme, worth 10,000 baht, targeting young people. If successfully implemented, this could inject much-needed spending power into the economy.
However, the digital nature of the currency poses challenges, particularly in a market reliant on cash. Restaurants may hesitate to participate, potentially dampening the initiative's impact.
As restaurants await these potential lifelines, uncertainty remains. Whether Songkran festivities and digital currency can counteract the downturn is yet to be seen, as the industry continues to battle through challenging times, reported The Thaiger.
Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, center, reacts after a no-confidence vote against her was defeated in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, March 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the daughter of political heavyweight Thaksin Shinawatra, has firmly held her ground today.
Surviving the awaited censure motion, she collected a robust 319 votes from loyal Pheu Thai-backed MPs. Meanwhile, just 162 MPs from the opposing People's party voted against her, outnumbered and outmanoeuvred.
The heat in parliament was undeniable, with Paetongtarn facing a barrage of accusations. Critics questioned her leadership credentials and accused her of failing to fulfil her promises. Adding fuel to the fire were claims linking her to her father's controversial stay at the Police Hospital, under a cloak as a "critically ill" patient to dodge jail time.
Despite the firestorm, Paetongtarn emerged unscathed with several MPs choosing not to vote at all. Seven lawmakers remained on the sidelines during the decision moment, neither supporting nor opposing the motion. This underlines her firm grip on the coalition, ensuring her leadership remains unchallenged, at least, for now.
The backdrop of this political drama is a tale as old as power itself, where familial ties and old alliances play a significant role. The survival of this censure motion highlights the Pheu Thai Party's dominance in the Thai political landscape.
The country's political dynamics remain fascinating, with stories like these continuing to unfold, gripping audiences both in the halls of power and everyday citizens.
As the dust settles, speculation buzzes on what comes next for Paetongtarn and Thailand's future. The stakes remain high, with the Prime Minister steering through turbulent waters while critics linger, ready to challenge at the next round. For now, Paetongtarn has silenced the critics, but the political chess game continues.
