Earthquake Panic Empties Andaman Coast: Tourist Numbers Plunge

[webfact]

Picture courtesy of Naewna

 

The Andaman coast is seeing an exodus of tourists following last Friday's powerful earthquake in Myanmar. Trang Deputy Governor Anan Boonsamran, reports over half the visitors have vanished amid a frenzy of misleading social media posts. These claims, though unfounded, have led to widespread panic, causing visitors to cancel their plans.

 

At Rajamangala Beach, Anan spoke candidly about the impact of the quake, an 8.2 on the Richter scale, which created unease throughout Thailand. He noted that his observations at Pak Meng pier support his estimate of the significant drop in tourist numbers.

 

The issue is magnified by the spread of fake news, with netizens posting alarming, outdated images that evoke memories of the devastating 2004 tsunami.

 

This scare has resonated with travellers, driving fears of another catastrophic event despite no current tsunami threats. The Deputy Governor criticised these "fast hands and quick hearts," who irresponsibly sow panic with their baseless, albeit eye-catching, posts.

 

 

 

 

The urgency of the situation was highlighted, with Anan calling on the media to counteract the spreading of misinformation.

 

Since the 2004 disaster, when a tsunami killed over 4,800 people in Thailand alone, any suggestion of seismic activity in the region stirs traumatic memories. The present tourism decline stands as a stark reminder of the fragile balance between tranquillity and terror in the wake of such natural events.

 

The situation stresses the critical need for accurate communication to reassure potential visitors of their safety. The tabloid-stirred fears must be quelled to stabilise Thailand's crucial tourist economy.

 

In summary, the Andaman coast faces a challenging situation as false reports continue spreading panic amongst tourists, leading to mass cancellations. Local officials urge clarity and honesty in reporting to restore confidence and stability in the region's vital tourism sector.

 

Based on a story by Thai Newsroom

 

-- 2025-03-31

 

 

[Tropicalevo]

46 minutes ago, webfact said:

The issue is magnified by the spread of fake news, with netizens posting alarming, outdated images that evoke memories of the devastating 2004 tsunami.

 

So social media carries most of the blame.

[KannikaP]

Another post said 7.8 for the 7.7 magnitude quake. Here we are up to 8.2. 

[ozz1]

Yea don't worry about people trapped and destruction it's all about the money in Thailand we're missing out on money shame

[Gottfrid]

29 minutes ago, ozz1 said:

Yea don't worry about people trapped and destruction it's all about the money in Thailand we're missing out on money shame

Why do you turn it around like that? Do you know how silly it reads?

 

What needs to be done here, is a walk of balance from the authorities. If people are starting scaremongering with posts of the tsunami disaster from 2004, that is actually totally unrelated to what happened now and is only creating more damage for the country. Of course it´s about missing out of money, as Thailand depends heavily on tourism revenue. Therefore, people cannot posts irrelevant stuff to make a bigger disaster than already is. Was that so hard to understand? Probably was, as you felt the need to bash Thailand a little bit more. Seems to be the retirees favorite hobby, as you guy seems to have far to much time on your hands. Maybe time to take up needlepoint instead.

 

Also, where have you read about that they not worry about the people and destruction? As I see it, that´s almost all you can read about in the news.

[Bobydog]

3 hours ago, ozz1 said:

Yea don't worry about people trapped and destruction it's all about the money in Thailand we're missing out on money shame

No real surprise there....

[wensiensheng]

4 hours ago, KannikaP said:

Another post said 7.8 for the 7.7 magnitude quake. Here we are up to 8.2. 

And they call for an end to misleading social media posts ….

[factual monk]

DEC 2004 earthquake and tsunami was an early warning to all countries in SE Asia especially ASEANbut they ignored it and thought it's once in a millennium incident... 

It's nature's fury... nothing can withstand it... so many civilizations have got wiped out... but we humans are and will remain greedy... 

[tomazbodner]

4 hours ago, KannikaP said:

Another post said 7.8 for the 7.7 magnitude quake. Here we are up to 8.2. 

There was an SMS received from emergency center after the quake.

 

 

Regarding earthquake on land as of 28 March 2025 at 13:20, of magnitude 8.2, depth 10 km and epicenter in Myanmar, currently, the Earthquake Monitoring Division of Meteorological department has been notified that those in urgent need can enter the buildings but with caution. For any inquiries, call 1784.

[factual monk]

It's called common sense

[Peterphuket]

4 hours ago, KannikaP said:

Another post said 7.8 for the 7.7 magnitude quake. Here we are up to 8.2. 

I can see them getting above 10.😂

[Chongalulu]

I'm just walking on the beach road with surfboard under my arm, malevolent glint in my eye and cheerily shouting " Surf's up" to any passing families 🌊. That'll make sure I get a table without queuing at my favourite restaurant later! 😜 

[Chongalulu]

14 minutes ago, factual monk said:

It's called common sense

As you've demonstrated in that comment sense isn't that common... 🥴 

[Chongalulu]

34 minutes ago, factual monk said:

DEC 2004 earthquake and tsunami was an early warning to all countries in SE Asia especially ASEANbut they ignored it and thought it's once in a millennium incident... 

It's nature's fury... nothing can withstand it... so many civilizations have got wiped out... but we humans are and will remain greedy... 

List some of the civilations that have been " wiped out" by tsunamis or earthquakes. Dinosaurs don't count! 😉 

[Jiggo]

Any cheap hotels about then?

[factual monk]

4 minutes ago, Chongalulu said:

As you've demonstrated in that comment sense isn't that common... 🥴 

Yes ... because people who are traveling with families and especially those with small kids have to think twice. They are spending their savings and going on holiday... or taking a break. And yes the number of videos on X and Insta are adding on to panic...  

Yes I may lack common sense as per you but that doesn't mean you have it too. 

[madmitch]

The end of March always sees a drop in tourist numbers. 

[spidermike007]

This earthquake happened well inland and there's no possibility of a tsunami unless the earthquake happens underwater. But I guess fear has no reason, and I guess fear is one of those irrational emotions that compels people to do very strange things. 

[frank83628]

1 hour ago, factual monk said:

DEC 2004 earthquake and tsunami was an early warning to all countries in SE Asia especially ASEANbut they ignored it and thought it's once in a millennium incident... 

It's nature's fury... nothing can withstand it... so many civilizations have got wiped out... but we humans are and will remain greedy... 

So how have they ignored it? 

How is it human greed?

[Dan O]

30 minutes ago, Chongalulu said:

List some of the civilations that have been " wiped out" by tsunamis or earthquakes. Dinosaurs don't count! 😉 

Plenty have been, and if not wiped out severely damaged,, google it.  Early this morning tsunami alerts out of Tong . There have been a series of earthquakes world wide since the Myanmar quake and apparently they are continuing to some degree. The cautions should be considered when making plans to go to those beach here currently

[PETERTHEEATER]

For me, any tremor over 5 on the Richter scale is measured on the Sphincter scale!

,

[Muhendis]

55 minutes ago, Peterphuket said:

I can see them getting above 10.😂

 

Give TAT a chance. They'll soon put that right.............

[newbee2022]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

Picture courtesy of Naewna

 

The Andaman coast is seeing an exodus of tourists following last Friday's powerful earthquake in Myanmar. Trang Deputy Governor Anan Boonsamran, reports over half the visitors have vanished amid a frenzy of misleading social media posts. These claims, though unfounded, have led to widespread panic, causing visitors to cancel their plans.

 

At Rajamangala Beach, Anan spoke candidly about the impact of the quake, an 8.2 on the Richter scale, which created unease throughout Thailand. He noted that his observations at Pak Meng pier support his estimate of the significant drop in tourist numbers.

 

The issue is magnified by the spread of fake news, with netizens posting alarming, outdated images that evoke memories of the devastating 2004 tsunami.

 

This scare has resonated with travellers, driving fears of another catastrophic event despite no current tsunami threats. The Deputy Governor criticised these "fast hands and quick hearts," who irresponsibly sow panic with their baseless, albeit eye-catching, posts.

 

 

 

 

The urgency of the situation was highlighted, with Anan calling on the media to counteract the spreading of misinformation.

 

Since the 2004 disaster, when a tsunami killed over 4,800 people in Thailand alone, any suggestion of seismic activity in the region stirs traumatic memories. The present tourism decline stands as a stark reminder of the fragile balance between tranquillity and terror in the wake of such natural events.

 

The situation stresses the critical need for accurate communication to reassure potential visitors of their safety. The tabloid-stirred fears must be quelled to stabilise Thailand's crucial tourist economy.

 

In summary, the Andaman coast faces a challenging situation as false reports continue spreading panic amongst tourists, leading to mass cancellations. Local officials urge clarity and honesty in reporting to restore confidence and stability in the region's vital tourism sector.

 

Based on a story by Thai Newsroom

 

-- 2025-03-31

 

 

If people can't trust the govt and media they trust themselves only.

In this case people were terrified, afraid to die, injured. So they left head over heals.

Who is to blame?😳

[black tabby12345]

When the force of nature struck 21 years ago, they were too slow to run for their lives.

Not knowing what to come after the quake and receding tides.

They ought to be glad no one got killed this time; tourists learned what to do when they felt danger while on the beach.

[KhunLA]

Might be a good time to head to the west coast, before rainy season & rough seas 

 

May the fake news continue ... "I heard ... tsunami being mentioned"

 

... shh 

 

DISCLAIMER:  this is FAKE news

 

Real news below .. 4.0+ in last 24 hous

 

source: https://www.volcanodiscovery.com/earthquakes/today.html

 

[daveAustin]

It's a bit knee-jerk, but many people just don't get the physics and heed social media tat too much. The thing happened days ago well inland; there will be no tsunamis.

[frank83628]

1 hour ago, Chongalulu said:

List some of the civilations that have been " wiped out" by tsunamis or earthquakes. Dinosaurs don't count! 😉 

You should look up Graham handcock & Randal Carlson. Plenty of others out there on a huge commet strike 12000yrs ago wiping out most of the planet.

[zepplin]

6 hours ago, Tropicalevo said:

 

So social media carries most of the blame.

And a substandard Thai Chinese building company that wanted to save a few million bht on high strength rebar….

only building to collapse…..

[jas007]

1 hour ago, spidermike007 said:

This earthquake happened well inland and there's no possibility of a tsunami unless the earthquake happens underwater. But I guess fear has no reason, and I guess fear is one of those irrational emotions that compels people to do very strange things. 

The 2004 earthquake in the Indian Ocean only released about 1/2 of the pent up energy on that fault, or so they say.  Quakes like that don't happen very often, so the next one could  be a hundred years from now, or, tomorrow.  

 

Personally, I wouldn't worry about it.  I would, however, familiarize myself with the tsunami evacuation routes. The have signs posted everywhere along the Phuket beaches. 

 

 

[Felt 35]

38 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

If people can't trust the govt and media they trust themselves only.

In this case people were terrified, afraid to die, injured. So they left head over heals.

Who is to blame?😳

 

I have no problem with understanding the people 🙄

 

BANGKOK, Thailand – Until two weeks ago, Smith Thammasaroj (search) was a prophet without honor.

As chief of Thailand's meteorological department in 1998, he was accused of scare-mongering when he warned that the country's southwest coast could face a deadly tsunami.

He retired under a shadow, dismissed as a crackpot, accused of causing panic and jeopardizing a critical tourist industry that grew up around the tropical resort island of Phuket (search).

Today, Smith is being lionized for his foresight after the devastating Dec. 26 Indian Ocean tsunami, which killed more than 150,000 people around the region, including 5,300 in Thailand, where 3,600 more are listed as missing.

Less than a week after the tragedy, Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra (search) appointed Smith as a vice minister and put him in charge of the newly established National Disaster Warning Office, which will work with seismologists to establish a tsunami early warning system.

Now when Smith speaks, people listen. And he has a new message: The United States must take some of the blame for the grievous number of casualties.

The 68-year-old forecaster — who earned a bachelor's degree in electrical and electronics engineering from the University of Vermont (search) in 1962 — said he believes that if the Hawaii-based Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (search) had acted quickly enough, many lives could have been saved.

Workers at the Hawaii center have said they tried in vain to warn Indian Ocean nations about the possible effects of the earthquake but they were not equipped to monitor that part of the world and didn't even have phone numbers for the right officials.

The Hawaii center, set up in 1948, hosts the only regional network of its kind in the world, but is set up solely to monitor Pacific Ocean countries.

"I'm not angry at them for failing to warn Thailand, because at that time they did not know for sure, they merely said a tsunami was possible after the earthquake," Smith told The Associated Press in a telephone interview Tuesday.

But after the giant waves hit southern Thailand, the center had more than an hour to alert India, Bangladesh and the Maldives, "and if they warned those countries, they could have saved thousands of lives," he said.

"It's their failure to do so that makes me mad at them," he said.

But the Hawaii center denied it could have alerted those nations in time.

"We didn't know anything even after the waves hit Thailand," Charles McCreery (search), the center's director, said Tuesday. Scientists at the Hawaii warning center did not learn of the tsunami until several hours later when they read news reports on the Internet about it striking Sri Lanka, McCreery said.

"That's well after those waves would have hit all of those places over there that got hit badly," he said. "So there really wasn't the opportunity."

Although the center had data on the earthquake, there are no sensors or tide gauges to measure water levels in the Indian Ocean, so there was no way to know if a tsunami had been generated, he said.

Smith has been equally critical of his own country's meteorologists. He said earlier that staff at the Meteorological Department working on Dec. 26 knew what was coming but failed to act because they were ignored earlier.

"They knew exactly what was going to happen, but they ... were afraid to make a decision, because they believed if they made a wrong forecast they would get blamed," Smith said.

The Meteorological Department has said it knew about the earthquake and the possibility that it could trigger a tsunami about an hour before waves began slamming ashore.

But they said they had no way to determine the size of the waves — and therefore the threat they posed — and were reluctant to issue a warning without such information because it could harm the tourism industry and anger the government.

Smith showed no such reluctance when, as head of the meteorological bureau, he made headlines in 1993 and 1998 with warnings about a possible tsunami.

His 1998 warning, which came after an earthquake-triggered tsunami killed more than 2,000 people in Papua New Guinea (search), sent droves of people running for the hills in southern Thailand. But no tsunami hit Thailand, and furious tourism executives and government officials excoriated Smith for his judgment.

 

Thai Predicted Tsunami; No One Listened | Fox News