Thailand Rolls Out Cellphone Disaster Alert System for Testing Following Earthquake Criticism

Thailand is preparing to test a cellphone-based disaster alert system, according to senior officials. This initiative follows criticism regarding the lack of warnings issued after a recent earthquake in Myanmar, which caused tremors felt in Bangkok.

The Cell Broadcast System (CBS) will be tested next month in various areas, including the capital city. The system aims to quickly disseminate warnings about both natural disasters and security threats using three mobile networks.

The testing will begin on May 2nd with a small-scale trial involving four city hall buildings. Subsequent tests will expand in scope, culminating in a large-scale drill covering the entire Bangkok and Chiang Mai provinces on May 13th.

During the tests, residents' cellphones will receive a pop-up message in both Thai and English, accompanied by a siren sound. The message will clearly state that it is a test message from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation and that no action is required.