Emergency Updates

Guidelines

In exceptional situations like natural disasters and civil unrest, GB's Quality team will activate our emergency protocols and provide general updates on this page. Please note:

• Our primary communication channels are via group chat or e-mail.
• Emergencies must impact travel plans for customers currently traveling with GB or customers already confirmed to travel to an impacted area.
• We do not provide general news updates or speculate on information from non-official sources.

Country Status

• Cambodia - Business as Usual - Closed Cambodia-Thailand Border
• China - Business as Usual
• India - Business as Usual
• Laos - Business as Usual
• Nepal - Business as Usual
• Sri Lanka - Business as Usual
• Thailand - Business as Usual - Closed Cambodia-Thailand Border
• Vietnam - Business as Usual

EMERGENCY UPDATE: Severe Bushfires and Air Quality in Northern

Thailand Date of Issue: March 30, 2025

Affected Regions: Chiang Mai (specifically Mae On District) and surrounding Northern Provinces

Current Situation

Widespread bushfires, exacerbated by illegal agricultural burning and dry climate conditions, are actively spreading across mountainous regions in Northern Thailand. As a result, air quality has reached critically hazardous levels. PM2.5 pollutant levels in Chiang Mai are currently measuring at nearly 15 times the World Health Organization’s recommended safety limits. Thick smog is severely reducing visibility and poses a threat to public health.

Health & Safety Recommendations for the Region:

• Stay Indoors: Keep windows and doors closed when possible.
• Filter Your Air: Utilize air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters.
• Wear Masks: If you must go outside in heavily affected areas, use a well-fitted N95 or KN95 mask.
• Monitor Vulnerable Individuals: Pay close attention to those with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.

Active Emergency Operations

The national disaster prevention team is actively combating the blazes. Aerial firefighting units are operating out of the Huai Bok reservoir, dropping thousands of liters of water over the hardest-hit areas in the Mae On district, while ground crews work to contain the spread where terrain permits.

Update on Our Tour Operations

However, our scheduled tours and travel routes remain safe and accessible. We are closely monitoring the situation and staying in regular contact with local authorities and our guides to ensure the safety and comfort of our clients. At this time, there are no disruptions to our programs.