Thailand Tests Emergency Phone Alerts in Nationwide Disaster Drill
BANGKOK — If your phone blared loudly this afternoon, don’t worry—it wasn’t a real emergency. Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) conducted the second phase of a nationwide Cell Broadcast system test today, aimed at preparing the country for natural disasters and emergencies.
At exactly 1pm on May 7, residents in five districts—Mueang in Lampang, Nakhon Sawan, Nakhon Ratchasima, Surat Thani, and Din Daeng in Bangkok—received a 10-second alert reading:
“This is a test message from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM). No action required.”
(Thai: “ทดสอบแจ้งเตือนภัย Cell Broadcast จากกรมป้องกันและบรรเทาสาธารณภัย (ปภ.) โปรดอย่าตื่นตระหนก”)
Officials emphasized that the alert does not require a response and includes no links. The DDPM asked residents not to panic and to familiarize themselves with the alert tone and message format.
This drill is the second of three test phases scheduled for May. The first phase, conducted on May 2, targeted provincial halls in Chiang Rai, Ubon Ratchathani, Suphan Buri, Songkhla, and Bangkok’s Government Complex Chaeng Watthana. The final and largest test is planned for May 13, covering entire provinces: Chiang Mai, Udon Thani, Ayutthaya, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and all of Bangkok.
The Cell Broadcast system will issue:
- National alerts
- Emergency alerts
- Amber alerts
Earthquake warnings will be issued directly by the Meteorological Department and DDPM, while flood and storm alerts will be coordinated with telecom regulators and major mobile carriers (AIS, True, DTAC).
Waroonthep Watcharaporn of AIS called the test a “significant advancement in public safety,” while True Corporation’s Chakkrit Urairat cited recent quakes in Krabi as clear justification for faster public alerting.
The NBTC is also evaluating ways to integrate these warnings into digital TV broadcasts, with potential plans for a dedicated disaster alert channel.
