BUSINESS is back to normal in Thailand’s northernmost province following a 6.3-magnitude earthquake in Chiang Rai’s Phan district on Monday evening that rocked the region with a series of aftershocks.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand reported that cracks have appeared on roads in the area, namely the Highway Mae Lao-Mae Suai and Highway 118 linking Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai.
However, major tourist attractions in Chiang Rai remain open, with the exception of the famous Wat Rong Khun (also known as the White Temple), which suffered substantial damage and is currently closed for repairs.
Inbound operators also observed minimal impact from the earthquake. Exotissimo Travel is “continuing with tours as normal” in the northern region, said Thailand general manager Michael Lynden-Bell; clients can still visit the grounds of Wat Rong Khun but can no longer enter the temple.
Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, located about 100km from the epicentre in Phan district, did not experience any disruption to business and access to the resort remains unaffected, said general manager Christian Oliver Zunk.
