Thailand, Canada, Myanmar: Canada Issues High Alert for Thai Tourism Hotspots as Earthquake Shakes Myanmar and Security Risks Rise in Southern Thailand – Travel And Tour World

The Canadian government has updated its travel advisory for Thailand as of March 28, 2025, adding new warnings related to the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck central Myanmar and sent tremors across Thailand. The seismic activity has resulted in infrastructure damage, raising immediate concerns for inbound travelers, especially those transiting through the northern provinces and border regions.

According to Canadian officials, aftershocks exceeding magnitude 6 have been reported, and additional seismic events remain likely. The advisory recommends that tourists in affected areas closely monitor local media and adhere strictly to evacuation orders issued by Thai authorities.

For the global travel industry, this update may signal a temporary decline in tourism interest across mainland Southeast Asia, especially in destinations dependent on safe cross-border mobility such as Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, and Tak, which border Myanmar. Adventure travel companies, trekking agencies, and heritage circuit operators may need to re-evaluate risk assessments, particularly for cross-border activities and jungle excursions.

Political Volatility and Southern Insurgency Threaten Thailand’s Domestic Travel Corridors

The Canadian advisory has maintained a stark warning against all travel to Thailand’s southern provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, Songkhla, and Yala due to the sustained threat of violent separatist insurgency. These areas continue to experience deadly attacks—ranging from bombings to shootings—often targeting public spaces, military installations, and government offices.

While most international tourists rarely venture into these conflict zones, the warning underscores persistent internal security challenges that affect Thailand’s image as a safe tourism destination. Travel insurance companies may update coverage limitations, and tour operators may suspend itineraries that route near these regions. Sadao District in Songkhla, once used as a logistics route to Malaysia, also remains under martial law with increased enforcement powers for local authorities, including curfews and warrantless searches.

Demonstrations and Political Restrictions Disrupt Urban Tourism in Bangkok

The Canadian government continues to advise exercising a high degree of caution throughout Thailand due to ongoing political tensions and the potential for sudden demonstrations, especially in Bangkok. Protest hotspots include Victory Monument, Thammasat University, the Democracy Monument, and the Ratchaprasong intersection.

For tourists, the implications are wide-ranging. Major sites may be inaccessible, transport routes can be disrupted, and social media access may be curtailed during sensitive political periods. Travel planners and tourism boards must factor in these risks when marketing Thailand to global audiences.

Common Crimes and Scams Undermine Confidence in Tourist Hotspots

According to the advisory, petty crimes such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft remain prevalent in high-traffic tourism zones, including Koh Pha Ngan, Koh Tao, and during events like full moon parties and Songkran.

Reports also indicate a rise in fraud-related incidents, including:

• Credit card skimming and ATM fraud
• Rental scams involving scooters and watercraft
• Overcharging and intimidation in nightlife venues
• Fake travel agency operations
• Gem scams targeting unsuspecting tourists

These criminal activities have a dampening effect on visitor trust and can severely impact Thailand’s repeat tourism rates, especially among Western travelers, including Canadians.

Adventure and Water Tourism Face Safety Scrutiny

Thailand’s booming adventure and water sports tourism is also facing increased scrutiny in the advisory, with warnings about substandard safety protocols in activities like:

• Scuba diving and snorkeling
• Zip-lining and parasailing
• Jungle trekking during monsoon season

Marine hazards like poisonous jellyfish and riptides have resulted in tourist fatalities near Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, Krabi, and Phuket. Diving schools may lack international certifications, making travel insurance coverage a critical consideration for thrill-seeking visitors.

Air Quality and Climate Change Now Factoring into Tourism Decisions

Canadian authorities have also emphasized the impact of air pollution in regions like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, particularly during the dry season and agricultural burning periods. High smog levels pose health risks, especially to seniors, children, and those with respiratory conditions.

Moreover, climate-related disruptions are becoming a tourism planning concern. From monsoon season floods and flash mudslides to earthquakes and aftershocks, Thailand’s environmental risks are evolving rapidly, pushing travelers to seek real-time updates and adaptive travel insurance.

Transportation Risks—From Taxis to Trains—Continue to Worry Visitors

The advisory describes several critical transportation safety issues affecting domestic travel:

• Taxi and tuk-tuk scams, sometimes escalating to violence
• Bus and rail thefts, particularly involving luggage storage
• Frequent road accidents, especially involving motorcycles and poorly maintained scooters
• Piracy risks in coastal waters
• Overcrowded passenger boats lacking safety equipment

Visitors are urged to use only reputable companies, avoid nighttime road travel, and stay alert during festival seasons like Songkran, when road fatalities spike.

Visa, Entry, and Passport Rules Enforced Strictly by Thai Immigration

The updated guidance reinforces Thailand’s strict immigration rules, particularly around visa overstay penalties and entry conditions. Canadians visiting Thailand for tourism may stay up to 60 days without a visa, with possible 30-day extensions at the discretion of Thai immigration officers. Those holding the new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) may stay up to 180 days per visit, but cannot work for Thai companies.

Travelers are warned to avoid unauthorized visa intermediaries and ensure they receive proper entry stamps at designated checkpoints. Random visa checks, detentions, and deportation are a reality for overstaying tourists, and detention conditions are noted to be poor.

Legal Landscape Requires Heightened Cultural Awareness

From strict drug laws and alcohol advertising bans to prohibitions on e-cigarettes and feeding fish, the advisory paints a picture of a destination with stringent cultural and legal standards. Any violation—intentional or not—can result in heavy fines, imprisonment, or deportation.

Visitors are advised to:

• Avoid criticism of the monarchy or military
• Stay updated on restricted goods
• Never use their passport as rental collateral
• Carry valid international driving permits when operating vehicles

Healthcare and Insurance Planning is Vital for Visitors

Thailand offers world-class medical facilities in cities like Bangkok and Phuket, but rural healthcare infrastructure remains variable. Medical evacuation may be required in emergencies, and upfront payment is often mandatory even for insured visitors.

The Canadian government advises that mental health facilities may not meet Western standards and that those requiring psychiatric assistance could face institutionalization or deportation.

Travelers are urged to secure comprehensive health insurance, including evacuation coverage, before traveling.

Impact on Tourism Stakeholders and the Global Travel Community

This advisory update from Canada highlights the urgent need for travel agencies, tour operators, and tourism boards to:

• Update safety protocols
• Refine crisis communication plans
• Improve destination risk transparency
• Monitor real-time threats through government channels

For Southeast Asia-bound travelers, this advisory could shift demand to nearby alternatives like Vietnam, Malaysia, or Singapore, impacting Thailand’s tourism economy in the short term.

For official updates, and consult the Royal Thai Government, Thai Immigration Bureau, and World Health Organization. For Canadian citizens needing assistance, contact the Canadian Embassy in Bangkok or the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.