More than 1,700 people are now understood to have died in the quake, which hit central Myanmar near the country’s second city of Mandalay on Friday (28 March).
Intrepid Travel has launched an emergency appeal through its not-for-profit Intrepid Foundation, and will match donations up to AUD $100,000 (£50,000). All funds raised will go towards providing medical support and aid to communities affected by the earthquake.
The operator has confirmed its trips in Thailand are continuing to operate, and all its staff and customers in Thailand are safe and accounted for. Intrepid halted trips to Myanmar in 2020 and does not currently operate in the country.
In Thailand, after the earthquake rocked capital Bangkok which is situated around 800 miles from the epicentre, business and tourism operations have resumed as normal.
Thailand’s main international airports have been declared safe and are operational, and transport services in the capital – including of the city’s metro and skytrain lines – have resumed.
Longer-distance state rail services are also operational, and the majority of major roads and highways are open, save for the Din Daeng Expressway in Bangkok.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has confirmed planned events, festivals and gatherings, such as for Songkran (Thai New Year), will go ahead as scheduled.
TAT said quotes and bookings for Thailand remain strong. Thai Airways is allowing free of charge date changes until 10 April for passengers wishing to change their travel plans, and Eva Air is allowing some changes if passengers have issues with connecting flights.
’Thailand remains a safe destination’
"I’d like to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to the airlines, operators and agents who have acted so swiftly and have supported and reassured clients with imminent travel plans," said TAT director UK and Ireland Worapa Angkhasirisap. "Their quick response has ensured minimum impact on travel to Thailand."
Thailand’s minister of tourism Sorawong Thienthong said after assessments and urgent inspections of buildings, transportation systems and public spaces, the situation in the country "has returned to normal".
"Tourist attractions and businesses remain undamaged, and people can resume their daily activities as usual," he said. "Tourists can travel safely to all destinations across the country. I assure you that Thailand remains a safe destination, and you can continue your travels here with confidence."
The situation in Myanmar, though, is thought to be considerably more grave, although the country’s ruling military authorities are continuing to strictly control the flow of information in and out of the country, and are continuing to engage rebel forces there.
The United Nations has appealed for $8 million (£6 million) in aid and warned of a worsening humanitarian crisis in the country, where hospitals are reported to be damaged and overrun.
Launching its appeal at the weekend, Intrepid said homes, businesses and schools had been destroyed, roads blocks and communication links severed. "The impact of the earthquake in Myanmar is severe," said Biheng Zhang, general manager of the Intrepid Foundation.
"After years of ongoing civil war in the region, this earthquake proves devastating for the people and communities who were already facing a humanitarian crisis. Although Intrepid does not currently run trips in Myanmar, the country continues to hold a special place in our heart.
"I appeal to the global travelling community who may have been to Myanmar in the past or who have simply visited the region – your support at these times can bring critical aid to the thousands of families at a time they need it the most."
