The recent earthquake originating in Myanmar has had noticeable effects on Bangkok’s hospitality sector. Although the city experienced significant tremors, evaluations by the Thai Government’s Department of Fine Arts show that the damage to historical landmarks has been minimal, providing reassurance for the tourism industry.
Minimal Structural Damage in Bangkok
According to the Department of Fine Arts, inspections carried out by the Archaeological Division found no major damage to Bangkok’s historical landmarks. Iconic sites such as Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) showed no signs of cracks or structural issues. Authorities are continuing their checks on other temples, particularly those under renovation, to ensure they remain safe.
Northern Thai Provinces Affected by Minor Damage
In areas closer to the earthquake’s epicenter in Myanmar, some northern provinces of Thailand reported minor damage. In Lampang province, historical sites like Wat Phra That Lampang Luang and Wat Hua Khwang showed superficial cracks on walls and stupas. These cracks, however, do not threaten the integrity of these sites.
In Nan province, there were minor damages noted at the Phra That Chae Haeng assembly hall, the stupa at Wat Beng Sakat, and the Nan Museum building. Authorities confirmed that these issues are not serious enough to affect the main structures.
In Chiang Mai, cracks were found in the columns of the Viharn Luang at Wat Chedi Luang, prompting immediate inspections. However, major landmarks like Phra That Haripunchai in Lamphun and Phra That Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai were unaffected by the earthquake.
No Damage Reported in Ayutthaya and Sukhothai
Fortunately, inspections in Ayutthaya, Sukhothai, and historical sites in the northeastern and southern regions confirmed no significant damage. This finding helps reassure the hospitality industry that tourism activities can continue as usual.
Impact on Tourist Confidence and Bookings
The earthquake has led to an increase in hotel cancellations and early checkouts, especially in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Ayutthaya. According to the Thai Hotels Association (THA), there has been an 8-10% rise in early checkouts across the country. Many tourists are choosing to visit areas they believe were less affected by the tremors, reflecting a decline in confidence in the affected regions.
Economic Impact on the Hospitality Sector
The THA predicts a 10-15% drop in tourism revenue over the next two weeks, primarily due to fewer tourists and the added costs of repairs and safety measures. The timing of the earthquake is particularly challenging, as it coincides with the Songkran festival, a peak tourism period. The central bank is monitoring the situation closely to evaluate the full economic impact.
Conclusion
While the Myanmar earthquake has caused some disruptions in Bangkok’s hospitality sector, the overall impact has been manageable. Quick inspections and minor operational adjustments have kept the industry stable. Tourism professionals are continuing to focus on preparedness to ensure the sector’s resilience in the face of future seismic events, protecting both the tourism industry and its visitors.
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