Report Thailand to Test Nationwide Emergency Alerts on 50 Million Devices

[webfact]

Picture courtesy of Thai Rath

 

Starting from 2nd May, Thailand will embark on an ambitious test of its new emergency alert system, utilising Cell Broadcast technology to reach 50 million devices nationwide.

 

The initiative is a collaboration between the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), three major mobile operators (AIS, TRUE, NT), the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), and the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society.

 

The trial aims to deliver timely warnings via mobile phones and will be conducted at three levels - small, medium, and large. On 2nd May, small-scale tests will occur in select areas including Chiang Rai and Ubon Ratchathani.

 

The medium-scale test follows on 7th May in key districts like Lampang and Khon Kaen, with a full provincial test targeted for 13th May in locations such as Chiang Mai and Bangkok.

 

 

 

The system promises alerts on smartphones within 10 minutes. While users with basic phones will receive SMS alerts within 15 minutes, the capacity has been vastly expanded to reach up to 36 million numbers per network transmission.

 

The Cell Broadcast system is anticipated to enhance Thailand's ability to manage a range of public emergencies, including natural disasters and air quality issues. This aligns with the nation's increasing focus on emergency readiness, featuring real-time collaboration with agencies like the Meteorological Department for earthquake alerts.

 

Notably, the new system will also cater to international tourists with roaming capabilities, ensuring they receive critical alerts while visiting Thailand.

 

This comprehensive test aims to expose any system limitations and fine-tune the approach for a more resilient national emergency communication strategy.

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Rath 2025-04-24

 

 

 

[hotchilli]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

The system promises alerts on smartphones within 10 minutes.

Message reads " if you're reading this you survived?"

[bluemoon58]

I won't hold my breath! 🤔

[Surasak]

No doubt it will be set off between 3 and 5am. "Now hear this. Now hear this. This is your Captain speaking. I suggest you get your emergency kit and head for the hills."

Won't apply to me. My phone shuts down at 10pm until 8am. I hate it when my beauty sleep is interrupted! 

[dinsdale]

Real message: You have experienced an earthquake. Be prepared for aftershocks. Tsunamis a good idea. Earthquakes will be after the fact.

[Purdey]

A good idea to test an emergency system. Having it go wrong on the day is the worst scenario.