Several residents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have cancelled their planned trips to Thailand to celebrate the Eid Al Fitr holidays following a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar and parts of Thailand on March 28. Despite this, many travel agencies indicated that major cancellations for scheduled departures during the long weekend have not been widespread.

Some travelers currently in Thailand now face uncertainty regarding their return, as parts of Bangkok, the Thai capital, have experienced significant disruptions.

Dubai resident Ahmed Ali, who planned to fly to Bangkok with his friends, stated their decision to cancel was motivated by safety concerns.

They opted for an alternative destination, Musandam in Oman, instead.

Travel agents reported that holiday packages to Thailand for the long weekend were in high demand before the earthquake, with many being sold out.

Subair Thekepurathvalappil, a senior manager at a travel agency, noted the resilience of travelers who remain eager to visit Thailand, including popular locations like Phuket and Chiang Mai, although they are monitoring any potential cancellations following the quake.

According to local reports, the earthquake resulted in a combined death toll exceeding 1,000, with thousands more injured in both countries.

In Thailand, as of the morning following the quake, officials reported numerous workers were still trapped in construction sites, with fatalities and injuries emerging across multiple locations.

Eyewitness accounts from Bangkok described the tremors as disorienting.

Dubai-based content creator Mariam George recounted her experience during the quake while receiving a massage, noting the sudden panic that ensued.

She indicated that her return flight was scheduled for March 29 but was uncertain due to the blocked roads and disruptions at the airport.

In response to the earthquake, the UAE Embassy in Thailand has urged its citizens to exercise caution and follow local safety instructions.

Emergency contact numbers were provided for UAE nationals in need.

The Royal Thai Embassy in Abu Dhabi released a statement indicating they are monitoring the situation and coordinating rescue efforts in Thailand.

Despite the earthquake, UAE-based airlines have announced that flights to and from Thailand continue to operate as scheduled.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand has also confirmed that air travel remained unaffected, with communications still functioning normally.

The epicenter of the earthquake was located approximately 320 kilometers from the northern district of Mae Hong Son province in Thailand.

Authorities have warned of potential aftershocks as they continue to assess the damage caused by this natural disaster.

The devastation has prompted worldwide responses, with various nations offering assistance.

The United Nations announced funding for relief efforts in Myanmar, where the effects of the earthquake have led to appeals for international aid.

Malaysia, India, and Russia are among countries that have mobilized teams to assist in rescue operations, delivering critical supplies and support to the affected regions.