U.S. Issues Travel Alerts for Myanmar & Thailand Following Earthquakes
by Sarah Milner
The U.S. embassies in Thailand and Myanmar have issued travel advisories following the deadly 7.7 magnitude earthquake last Friday, March 28, which caused significant damage and killed at least 1,600 people.
The powerful earthquake and the following 6.4 magnitude aftershock were felt in neighboring countries, including Thailand and Southwest China.
The U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Thailand issued a statement advising U.S. citizens to follow directions from local officials and building managers. “Police are currently checking the safety of several structures in Bangkok,” the statement read.
The alert also warned U.S. citizens to “proceed with caution, watching for unstable/falling debris, downed utility lines, and not return to high-rise residences/office buildings until building management has deemed it safe to do so.”
Airports of Thailand (AoT) has confirmed that the country’s six airports are operational, noting that the structural integrity of the buildings and aviation infrastructure met safety standards after inspection.
The U. S. Embassy in Yangon, Burma (Myanmar) issued an alert in response to the earthquake on Saturday, March 29, noting “severe damage to structures and infrastructure and closures of hospitals and government facilities in Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw.”
The airport in Mandalay, Myanmar is reportedly closed.
Those in the impacted region are advised to monitor local media for updates, seek shelter, notify loved ones of your status, and be aware of your surroundings.
Currently, Myanmar is categorized as a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” country for U.S. citizens. Last updated in June 2024, the U.S. travel advisory cautions against visiting Myanmar (Burma) due to the military conflict in the region:
“Do not travel to Burma due to civil unrest, armed conflict, and arbitrary enforcement of local laws. Reconsider travel to Burma due to limited and/or inadequate healthcare and emergency medical resources, and areas with land mines and unexploded ordnances. Exercise increased caution due to wrongful detentions.”
