Report Bangkok Blackout: MEA Blames Technical Glitch, Not Cyber Threat

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Photo via Facebook/ Elfza Suriya

 

A widespread blackout hit several areas of Bangkok last night, sparking concern and speculation among residents. The Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) confirmed today that the outage, which left parts of the city in the dark, was caused by an internal technical issue, dismissing fears of cyber threats or terrorism.

 

Residents in Saphan Khwai, Dusit, Phaya Thai, Phahonyothin, and Rama VI experienced the unexpected power cut around 10 pm. Many took to social media, frustrated by the lack of prior warning from the MEA. The sudden blackout came amid existing tensions at the Thailand-Cambodia border, leading some to wonder if the outage could be linked to the conflict. Speculation intensified due to the proximity of some affected areas to military sites.

 

With homes uncomfortably warm, many residents ventured outside, seeking refuge from the heat and looking for answers. Criticism mounted against authorities for their slow response in providing information to the anxious public.

 

By 11:30 pm, power was restored to most areas, according to reports from Channel 7. However, a number of residents noted that their homes remained without electricity for over two hours.

 

In an official statement, the MEA clarified that the blackout resulted from a technical malfunction at a local substation during routine upgrade preparations. Engineers managed to redirect the electrical load to an alternative substation, allowing for a swift return of service.

 

The MEA emphasised that the incident was strictly technical, with no links to terrorism or cyber malfeasance. Specialist teams are conducting a thorough investigation to identify the root cause. The authority has pledged to introduce preventative measures to avert future occurrences.

 

To keep the public informed, the MEA maintains a daily schedule for planned electricity outages on their website. For today, 6 August, disruptions are anticipated in the following areas:

 

• 8:30 am to 3:30 pm
  • Ekkachai Road: Soi Ekkachai 131 and Soi Lalin Greenville Village
  • Phutthamonthon Sai 1 Road: Soi Phutthamonthon Sai 1 Soi 17 and nearby areas
  • Intharawat Road: Around Soi Intharawat 23
• 9 am to 2 pm
  • Ramkhamhaeng Road: Soi Ramkhamhaeng 118, Intersection 46-9
• 9 am to 3 pm
  • Sukhumvit Road: Soi Sukhumvit 39 (Soi Phrom Chit)

 

Residents can monitor the MEA's announcements for updates and further information on scheduled outages.

 

The blackout incident has underscored the necessity for transparent communication between the authorities and the public, particularly in times of crisis. As the city gets back to normal, the pledge for more robust systems and preventive measures will be closely watched by those impacted by the blackout.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-08-06