March 30, 2025 – As Thailand gears up for the highly anticipated Songkran Festival, the traditional Thai New Year celebrated with vibrant water fights and cultural festivities, authorities and local organizers have confirmed that the recent earthquake in the region will not disrupt planned activities.
Despite the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar on March 28, 2025, causing tremors felt across Thailand, including Bangkok, officials are confident that the festival, scheduled for April 13-15, and in some parts of the country like Pattaya extended by several days, will proceed as planned.
The earthquake, centered near Mandalay, Myanmar, approximately 600 miles from Bangkok, resulted in widespread shaking and notable damage, including the collapse of a 33-story skyscraper under construction in Thailand’s capital that has still left dozens of construction workers missing and feared trapped in the rubble. The disaster claimed over 1,600 lives in Myanmar and at least 17 in Thailand, with ongoing rescue efforts to locate survivors trapped under rubble. Aftershocks, including a 5.1-magnitude tremor on March 30, have kept the region on edge, but Thai authorities have moved swiftly to reassure residents and tourists that Songkran preparations remain on track.
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra addressed the nation earlier today, stating, “The situation in Thailand has stabilized, and we are working tirelessly to ensure safety and normalcy. Songkran is a cornerstone of our culture and economy, and we are committed to ensuring it goes ahead as a time of joy and renewal.”
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt echoed this sentiment, noting that the city’s earthquake response command center has assessed damages and found them limited to specific sites, leaving key festival areas like Silom Road and Khao San Road unscathed.
The Songkran Festival, known for its exuberant water battles, temple rituals, and family gatherings, is a major draw for both locals and international visitors. In Bangkok, streets transform into lively arenas where people armed with water guns and buckets douse each other in a symbolic cleansing of the past year’s misfortunes. Chiang Mai, another Songkran hotspot, hosts parades and traditional ceremonies around its historic moat, while Phuket adds a beachside twist to the festivities. Organizers in these regions have confirmed that venues and infrastructure critical to the festival remain intact.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) released a statement today, emphasizing that the earthquake’s impact has been contained. “Essential services, transportation, and tourist facilities are fully operational,” the statement read. “We invite travelers to join us for Songkran 2025, which will showcase Thailand’s resilience and vibrant spirit.” Airports, railways, and roads, including those in 13 affected provinces, have resumed mostly normal operations.
Local businesses and event planners are equally optimistic. In Chiang Mai organizers of the planned music festival featuring Thai artists like Bodyslam and Potato have confirmed that stages and equipment are unaffected. “The earthquake was a shock, but our preparations are solid. We’re ready to welcome everyone,” said a spokesperson for the event. Similarly, vendors along Bangkok’s Silom Road, a hub for water fights, reported no structural damage to their setups.
Experts have supported the government’s stance. Dr. Joanna Faure Walker, an earthquake specialist from University College London, noted that while aftershocks are expected, their lower magnitudes—such as the 4.2 and 5.1 recorded today—are unlikely to cause further widespread damage in Thailand. “The epicenter’s distance and the nature of the strike-slip faulting mean the impact here is less severe than in Myanmar,” she explained.
For travelers planning to attend Songkran, the message is clear: the festival will go on. Authorities advise visitors to stay updated on safety announcements but stress that there’s no need to alter plans. With just over two weeks until the celebrations begin, Thailand is turning a moment of adversity into an opportunity to unite in celebration. As the nation recovers, Songkran 2025 promises to be a testament to the enduring spirit of the Thai people, undeterred by the tremors of the past few days.
