File photo for reference only

Today at 2pm, a nationwide test of the emergency alert system for cell broadcasts is set to take place in Thailand, announced by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). The exercise will have mobile phones across the country emitting loud warning tones, with officials urging residents not to panic. This trial, conducted by the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), aims to fine-tune the system for public safety enhancement.

The BMA shared details about the exercise on its official Facebook page, clarifying that the alert will last about eight seconds and display the message: "This is a test message from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), not a real situation.

No action required." Officials emphasised that public alert and preventive measures would be invaluable, urging citizens to inform their families, especially the elderly and those nearby.

Suriyachai Rawiwan, Director of the BMA's Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, confirmed that the alert would cover all 76 provinces and Bangkok simultaneously. The trial, following several runs last year, aims to resolve previously identified issues.

The test will assess how various mobile networks and phones react to alerts, simulating conditions akin to earthquake warnings. The system is designed to function regardless of whether phones are muted, locked, or in vibration mode, ensuring maximum reach and effectiveness.

Mr Suriyachai also noted that Bangkok has previously employed the system to alert residents about PM2.5 pollution, effectively allowing for timely precautions and avoidance of hazardous areas. Today's test holds significant importance as it aims to enhance preparedness for major emergencies.

The test's efficacy and the changes made based on feedback will be vital for the alert system's ongoing growth and reliability. The lessons learnt will inform future iterations, with the aim of delivering timely and effective warnings for natural disasters and other emergencies, according to the Bangkok Post.

Key Takeaways:

• A nationwide phone alert test is sounding today at 2 p.m. across Thailand.

• Exercise aims to improve the effectiveness of the emergency alert system.

• Past implementations include PM2.5 pollution notifications in Bangkok.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2026-01-20

 

 

There's supposed to be a way to stop the phone making a loud noise

But. I cant remember the details

The one sure way is to turn the thing off..

7 hours ago, johng said:

There's supposed to be a way to stop the phone making a loud noise

But. I cant remember the details

The one sure way is to turn the thing off..

When they tested this in the UK, we turned this off on iphones to not receive it.

Settings-notifications-messages-critical alerts/off.

Edit. Android-settings-safety & emergency-crisis alerts-off

Getting you used to alarms. Training your physiology.

My buddies said the EXACT same drill being run in US and Canada.

Softening you up for the big psyop to come.

An addition but nothing beats a proper network of sirens. Yearly exercise in Switzerland with full coverage.

Here the village/moo ban loudspeaker towers could be a substitute.

Germany: quite poor results on first test. Mobile coverage also still incomplete.

6 minutes ago, Woke to Sounds said:

Getting you used to alarms. Training your physiology.

My buddies said the EXACT same drill being run in US and Canada.

Softening you up for the big psyop to come.

The funny thing is ...... people who are "on the fringe " , the ones so many like to call the "conspiracy theorists" .......

are often the ones who get it RIGHT !

1 hour ago, webfact said:

Mr Suriyachai also noted that Bangkok has previously employed the system to alert residents about PM2.5 pollution

So all day every day alerts screaming out of phones.

I'm warning my family. Headless chooks getting ready.

Luckily I don't have a phone.

maybe its just a trial for when all the phones in the world (not of blue color) ....... blow up !

oh, lord.......... why do these thoughts enter this mind ! 🤨

Along way to catch-up with Japan...

Eight years after the devastating 2004 tsunami, Thai authorities conducted a nationwide test of the newly installed 19-buoy tsunami warning system.

As part of the test, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) sent out an official alert.

However, the crucial "this is only a test" message either failed to reach many people or was not properly communicated by local authorities and media. In several coastal areas, especially in Phuket, Phang Nga, and Krabi, sirens sounded, emergency broadcasts interrupted TV and radio, and text messages were sent—all without clear context for many residents and tourists.

This led to widespread panic: people fled beaches, hotels evacuated guests to higher ground, traffic jammed, and some injuries were reported in the rush. The panic lasted for about an hour before authorities could clarify it was only a drill.

This incident became a major case study in disaster preparedness communication. It highlighted the critical difference between system testing and public messaging.

Authorities learned that public drills require meticulous public awareness campaigns beforehand and that test messages must be unmistakably labeled as such at every point of dissemination.

Let's see how today's effort goes!!!

4 hours ago, rumak said:

why do these thoughts enter this mind ! 🤨

Watch out for pagers and walkie talkies too.

Well it worked for me !!!

7 minutes ago, johng said:

Well it worked for me !!!

ditto.

Damn! I was right in the middle of a tricky track of Beat Sabre, and all hell broke loose. Thought one of my electrical appliances was about to explode.

6 hours ago, WHansen said:

When they tested this in the UK, we turned this off on iphones to not receive it.

Settings-notifications-messages-critical alerts/off.

Edit. Android-settings-safety & emergency-crisis alerts-off

Believe the Thai gov have bypassed that.

11 minutes ago, johng said:

Presidential alert has got me somewhat flummoxed.

1 minute ago, dinsdale said:

Presidential alert has got me somewhat flummoxed.

Maybe they think you are the POTUS 😋

Somehow the 'wireless emergency alert' settings got turned back on on my phone...probably

by the 'system boost' app I was playing with earlier..reminder to self not to do that again.

The text message came up on both my Samsung and Oppo. But only the Oppo had audio with it.

7 hours ago, WHansen said:

When they tested this in the UK, we turned this off on iphones to not receive it.

Settings-notifications-messages-critical alerts/off.

Edit. Android-settings-safety & emergency-crisis alerts-off

Thanks for that! Worth a try. On my very old phone it’s Settings - Apps and Notifications - Advanced - Emergency Broadcasts - Emergency Alert Settings, several different alert levels, all of which I’ve now switched to off.

My Oppo had emergency siren and then readout in Thai and English

my other old phone with no SIM in but WIFI turned on got nothing at all.

Two separate mobile phones sounded the alarm with text right on time.

This kind of alert will keep the Thai public safely notified to any military coup.

They know when a coup occurs because all the TV stations stop broadcasting normal programs and instead show a static 'standby for info from the military' slide.

3 hours ago, JerryM said:

ditto.

For me it did, not for my daughter.

Sound and text on my budget Samsung. I also recieved the PM 2.5 warning a couple of days ago. I thought of turning off notifications but then decided I'd like to see where they're going to go with this.

Nothing on my iPhone I bought in the U.S. I recall getting some kind of alert several months ago.

9 hours ago, johng said:

. . . . my other old phone with no SIM in but WIFI turned on got nothing at all.

The technology for these warnings uses SIM data so that makes sense.