look at the geography!!
I suspect you haven’t bothered to research this preferring to rely on bar gossip and prejudice. Since its major rollout after 2004, the system has hugely improved. Based in Bangkok, it’s the core agency that monitors and issues tsunami alerts. But it's not without problems.
Thailand has generally issued timely alerts through sirens, media, and mobile phones—especially in Phuket and Phang Nga.
People in coastal communities, including tourists, are now much more aware of what to do— there is also visible signage, hotel safety info, and occasional drills.
Thailand works with the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System (IOTWS), allowing it to receive early seismic data from international partners like Indonesia, India, and Australia.
However information from Myanmar, thanks to the Junts is patchy.
As with many systems in Thailand maintenance has been poor at times; some of the tsunami detection buoys have been known to have gone offline through damage or poor maintenance. There have been times when it was revealed only one buoy was functional, which raised concerns. Also rural areas have suffered neglect.
While signs and routes are posted, tourists tend to ignore them or may not always notice them or understand the sirens, especially if no context is given. Hotel staff training varies by place. The result is that tourists don’t react when real alerts occur.
So, The system is definitely functional and much better than pre-2004, especially in tourist-heavy areas. However, reliability depends on location, and ongoing investment in maintenance and education is crucial.
Do you know the sound of the tsunami siren?
Do you keep an eye on local news or weather apps
Do you know the signs of a tsunami and how they happen?