When Tragedy Strikes Abroad: Mindful Travel After the Myanmar-Thailand Earthquake
Last week, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, sending tremors that were felt across parts of Thailand, including Chiang Mai and Bangkok. Though the damage was minimal in Thailand (compared to the destruction of Myanmar), the event served as a stark reminder of how quickly life can shift—and how travel, as beautiful as it is, comes with responsibility.
For those of us who are visitors in foreign lands, it can be confusing and unsettling when tragedy happens nearby, especially when plans are disrupted. But it’s also in these moments that we must re-center and remember who we are in the larger context: guests.
When the Earthquake Hit
This is exactly what I had to remember when I thought about what to do as my last weekend in Bangkok was unfolding. It was at least and hour after the quake before I found out how severe it was. The reality is that there generally is no news when news is unfolding. Google hadn’t even registered that there had been an earthquake. It wasn’t until the hostel hosts asked everyone to leave the building so they could so a thorough check of the premises that I knew something was wrong.
Being that this is unfortunately not my first tragedy abroad, I did the three things I thought best at that moment.
1) Contact those I had met in the area to check on their safety.
2) Forget about all plans of touring the city.
3) Let my family know that I am safe and my whereabouts.
Some may think that canceling plans is overkill. The city did not completely shut down, and it wasn’t as bad as Myanmar. However, as travelers and guests, it's our responsibility to avoid adding to an already overwhelming situation.
Tragedy Doesn’t Respect Travel Plans
I was in Busan, South Korea, when the Itaewon Halloween tragedy unfolded in 2022. Over 150 lives were lost that night. What shocked me—more than the eerie silence that fell over the city—was how many foreign tourists complained about the following closures and cancellations.
Yes, events were canceled. Cafés turned down their music. Parties stopped. The streets, usually buzzing with energy, were quiet out of respect. And rightfully so.
It’s important to remember that when tragedy hits, it’s not about us. It’s not about whether our trip is going “as planned.” When a country is in mourning or navigating disaster recovery, we don’t get to demand normalcy just because we’re on vacation.
What Tourists Should Do When Tragedy Strikes
Whether it’s a natural disaster, a public accident, or a national day of mourning, here’s how you can travel with empathy and integrity:
1. Pause and Acknowledge
Before checking your itinerary or rebooking tours, take a moment to acknowledge what’s happening. Read the news from local and international sources. Ask locals how they’re doing. Sometimes the kindest thing you can say is, “I’m so sorry this happened. Are you okay?”
2. Follow Local Customs and Closures
If events, attractions, or shops are closed, respect the decision. Don’t push for refunds or special treatment. Many small businesses may be affected directly, grieving, or simply honoring local customs around mourning.
3. Shift from “Tourist” to “Observer”
This might not be the time for photo ops or loud celebrations. Instead, it can be a chance to observe and reflect on the resilience of the local people, the unpredictability of life, and the privilege of travel itself.
4. Don’t Expect Exceptions
You may be frustrated. You may have dreamed of this trip for years. But expecting special treatment because you’re a foreigner is not only inappropriate—it’s offensive. Countries are not theme parks. They are living, breathing societies with real people who experience real loss.
5. Offer Help or Give Space
In rare cases, travelers might be able to help—whether it’s through volunteering, donating blood, or giving to trusted aid organizations. But in most cases, the best help is giving locals space to recover and honoring their process without inserting yourself into it.
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If You’re Directly Affected
Sometimes, tourists are caught in the middle of tragedy, whether through injury, fear, or displacement. Here’s what to do if you’re affected:
Contact your embassy: They can provide updates, emergency assistance, and help with documentation or medical needs.
Follow emergency alerts: In countries like Thailand or South Korea, English-language alerts may be available through apps or local authorities.
Stay off social media (at least at first): Don’t share speculation, graphic images, or unverified information.
Reach out for mental health support: Tragedy can leave lasting emotional impacts. Talk to someone. Journal. Sit with the feelings—even while traveling.
If You’re Not Affected, Be Mindful That Others Were
You might be in the same city or country and not feel a thing. But someone else lost their home. Someone else lost a loved one. So if life seems “normal” around you, still take care to travel quietly and respectfully for a while.
If you post online, refrain from hashtags like #blessed or #vacayvibes during sensitive times. Instead of acting like nothing happened, show solidarity. A simple sentence of acknowledgment in your captions or stories can go a long way.
A Kind Reminder: Travel Is a Privilege
When we leave our home countries, we step into someone else’s reality. It’s a gift to explore the world—but also a responsibility. The more we recognize that, the more respectful and connected our experiences become.
So whether you’re currently in Thailand or traveling anywhere in the world, let this serve as a reminder:
🧭 Travel isn’t just about where you go. It’s about who you are while you’re there.
Sending Love to Myanmar and Thailand
To the communities impacted by the recent earthquake: may your recovery be swift, your grief honored, and your strength seen. And to fellow travelers: let’s continue to show up with empathy, awareness, and care every step of the way.
Travel Isn’t Just About Where You Go. It’s about how you go.