A nationwide test of the Cell Broadcast emergency alert system will take place today (Tuesday) at 2pm, with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) advising the public not to be alarmed if their mobile phones emit loud warning sounds.
In a statement posted on its official Facebook page, the BMA said the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) will conduct the test as part of efforts to strengthen emergency preparedness.
During the exercise, mobile phones will automatically receive an alert lasting around eight seconds. The message will read: “This is a test message from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM). This is not a real emergency. No action is required.”
Authorities stressed that the alert is only a system test and urged the public to inform family members, elderly people and those nearby in advance to prevent unnecessary panic.
Suriyachai Rawiwan, director of the BMA’s Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, said the test will be carried out simultaneously across all 76 provinces and Bangkok. The exercise follows multiple trial runs conducted last year, with system upgrades made to address issues identified during earlier tests.
The drill will also evaluate how different mobile networks and handset models respond to the alerts, replicating conditions similar to those used for earthquake warnings. The alert will sound and appear on screens even if phones are set to silent mode, locked, or on vibration.
Mr Suriyachai added that the alert system has already been used in Bangkok to warn residents about PM2.5 pollution levels, helping people take timely precautions and avoid high-risk areas.
Today’s test is intended to further enhance readiness for large-scale emergency situations.