Report Mobile Networks to Broadcast Disaster Test Alert Today!

[webfact]

Picture courtesy of Thai PBS World

 

Today at 1pm, residents of five Thai provinces will witness the final test of the public disaster early warning system. Conducted by the Department of Public Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, this system uses mobile networks to deliver timely alerts. Residents of Bangkok, Udon Thani, Ayutthaya, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Chiang Mai should prepare to receive these alerts on their smartphones.

 

Subscribers with 4G and 5G compatible smartphones (Android version 11 or higher, or iOS version 18 and higher) will receive an eight-second voice signal. This will be promptly followed by a warning message in both Thai and English about a simulated disaster. It's important to note, no action is required as this is purely a test, and the warning message will stay visible for ten minutes.

 

Those using older networks, like 2G or 3G, need not worry. They will receive the alerts via standard SMS. The department has assured that this will be the last of the tests after two prior runs on May 2nd and 7th.

The initiative for this warning system was prioritised following the March 28th earthquake in Myanmar.

 

This quake had significant impacts in Thailand, with ramifications most notable in Bangkok despite the city being 1,000km from the epicentre. The earthquake led to the catastrophic collapse of a building under construction in Chatuchak district.

 

Tragically, this incident resulted in 89 confirmed fatalities, in addition to numerous injuries. Seven individuals still remain missing. However, clarification revealed that four people initially reported as missing were absent from work and unharmed. The implementation of this early warning system seeks to prevent such tragedies in the future by issuing timely alerts.

 

By enhancing alert systems, the authorities aim to enable faster responses during disasters, minimising risks and enhancing public safety. This makes the test today a vital step toward ensuring community resilience in the face of potential crises.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai PBS World 2025-05-13

 

 

[brfsa2]

Looks like it is working as intended 😄 finally? 

[BritManToo]

Bloody annoying, 3 phones in my house went off earlier today.

[Callmeishmael]

12 people sitting in my office - only 2 phones went off!

[bamnutsak]

[Photoguy21]

I wont worry about getting a message, probably just delete it.

[Upnotover]

2 minutes ago, Photoguy21 said:

I wont worry about getting a message, probably just delete it.

If you didn't get it you're not chosen to be saved.

[Photoguy21]

1 minute ago, Upnotover said:

If you didn't get it you're not chosen to be saved.

I wouldn't rely on any government to save you

[JonnyF]

Very loud.

 

Nearly spilled my beer. 

[josephbloggs]

26 minutes ago, Callmeishmael said:

12 people sitting in my office - only 2 phones went off!

Probably because the other ten are not registered in Bangkok, will still be listed under their home town. Not ideal.

I got it, my wife didn't.

[Digitalbanana]

1 hour ago, josephbloggs said:

Probably because the other ten are not registered in Bangkok, will still be listed under their home town. Not ideal.

If the settings in the phone are not set to receive Crisis Alerts, my Xiaomi phones are default off from the factory, you won't get anything.

[josephbloggs]

48 minutes ago, Digitalbanana said:

If the settings in the phone are not set to receive Crisis Alerts, my Xiaomi phones are default off from the factory, you won't get anything.

Very good point.

[johng]

2 hours ago, josephbloggs said:

Probably because the other ten are not registered in Bangkok, will still be listed under their home town. Not ideal

Well thats pretty stupid,its called a mobile phone for a reason it should receive the local alert where ever it is located... no ?