Phuket Earthquake Rumour Dismissed as Baseless by Officials

Photo courtesy of PlanetWare

Rumours claiming that Phuket could sink into the sea following a major earthquake went viral this week, sparking unnecessary panic among residents and tourists. However, Thai officials and the Anti-Fake News Centre have dismissed these claims as nonsense.

On April 24, the Anti-Fake News Centre, under Thailand’s Digital Economy and Society Ministry, intervened to debunk the alarming rumours. The viral posts predicted a false catastrophic scenario, alleging a death toll of between 40,000 and 60,000, causing widespread distress.

Officials clarified that the information was entirely unfounded. The Department of Mineral Resources assured the public that Phuket is distant from significant earthquake epicentres, reducing the likelihood of such a disaster. “The likelihood of a major earthquake occurring in Phuket is extremely low,” stated the department.

Authorities emphasised that no credible geological institution had issued warnings that support the baseless claims. Misinformation about impending natural disasters not only stirs public fear but also harms the image of Phuket, a globally admired tourist destination.

The rapid spread of these false reports on social media included fabricated graphics and warnings wrongly linked to government sources, prompting an urgent response from officials. They urged the public to stay calm, verify facts, and refrain from spreading unverified information to prevent panic.

“Misinformation like this not only causes public panic but also damages the image of our tourism industry,” the Anti-Fake News Centre noted, reminding people to trust updates from official government channels.

This incident highlights the need for critical scrutiny before sharing information online, pointing to the explosive nature of fake news and the potentially adverse impact on communities.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-04-25