The sudden earthquake that occurred on the afternoon of March 28 collapsed a building under construction in Chatuchak district in Bangkok. Thousands of people panicked and fled their homes, large shopping malls and hotels as the ground shook.
After the earthquake, the public transportation system was almost paralyzed. The power was cut off, the train temporarily stopped operating to check and overcome the damage. Major buildings and shopping malls were closed.
Many Vietnamese tourists in Thailand were also shocked when witnessing the earthquake in the land of golden temples.
Mr. Quang Minh, who is in Ho Chi Minh City and traveling to Bangkok with friends, said that a few hours after the earthquake, the power system was restored. However, the public transport system (submarine and elevated high-speed trains) is closed for inspection and maintenance.
"Customers rush to book their vehicles through the technology-based booking application, causing the system to be overloaded and paralyzed. Most people are forced to move on foot. With no other choice, we had to walk 9km to return to the hotel," the male tourist shared.
When I arrived at the hotel, the electricity and water systems had returned to normal. However, Mr. Minh said that large stores and shopping malls are still closed. The group of tourists had to buy food and drinks at convenience stores.
The flight schedule for this group of tourists will return home early next week. Therefore, everyone is mentally prepared to adapt to difficult living conditions in the next 2 days.
"For now, we can only move by walking. Food and drinks purchased at convenience stores. On the other hand, we are also waiting for more information from local authorities about the time to reopen shopping malls, services and public transport to have a suitable schedule plan," the male tourist shared.
Mr. Tran Sang, a tourist from Ho Chi Minh City, said that some hotels in Bangkok ban the use of elevator systems. Some hotels cannot allow guests to stay on the upper floors.
Traveling from Makro area to Pratunam night market, Mr. Sang faced traffic congestion when the road was packed with private vehicles such as cars and motorbikes of local residents.
"Some of my friends took a taxi back to Suvarnabhumi airport at 2pm but still couldn't get there at 9pm. Many people are delayed in their flights and are trying to contact the airline for help," said Mr. Sang.
On Thai travel groups, many people shared images of crowded airports due to a series of flight delays. Many tourists are delayed in their flights because they cannot arrive at the airport on time, needing the help of airline staff.
After the earthquake, Thailand announced the closure of some high-speed systems, subway, elevated dien trains, and some railway lines.
The Army Commander-in-Chief, General Pana Claewplodtook, ordered the immediate activation of the military's Disaster Relief Center to support the people. All units have been instructed to mobilize personnel and necessary equipment to deploy response measures.
Military hospitals are always ready to receive emergency patients.
The Thai Ministry of Transport is monitoring the entire tourism infrastructure. Suvarnabhumi Airport had to temporarily suspend flights for 20 minutes to prevent risks but resumed operations afterwards.
The Thai Hydrometeorological Department warns of the possibility of new aftershocks. As of the afternoon of March 28, Thai people had felt at least 12 aftershocks, ranging from 3.7 to 5.5 degrees Richter.
