PHUKET, Thailand – Wichit Suttaso, Head of the Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office (DDPM Phuket), confirmed that authorities are maintaining 24-hour vigilance in monitoring seismic activity in the region, following multiple reports of small earthquakes in Southeast Asia. He emphasized that while tremors have been recorded in various areas, none currently meet the threshold for tsunami risk.
“To cause a tsunami like those seen in the past, an earthquake would need to occur offshore—such as near the Nicobar Islands, Indonesia—with a magnitude greater than 7. That has not happened,” Wichit explained.
He urged the public not to panic or fall for unverified tsunami rumors spreading on social media, especially false claims that a tsunami could strike Phuket on July 5. The National Disaster Warning Center (NDWC) and its tsunami alert system remain fully operational, with regular tests conducted every Wednesday using the national anthem over loudspeakers.
Wichit noted that Thailand recently conducted a national-level tsunami emergency response drill from June 25–27 to ensure readiness, particularly in Phuket, one of the most vulnerable provinces.
“Earthquakes are unpredictable and cannot be forecast in advance. That’s why our team is monitoring the situation closely, especially over the next few days,” he said.
Meanwhile, in Laem Tukkae village—a coastal sea gypsy community in Phuket—residents have begun preparing for a worst-case scenario. Local leaders advised villagers to pack essentials and stay alert during the night of July 4 and into the early hours of July 5, as well as the following few days.
Village headman Wirat Pramongkit shared that many locals remain vigilant, frequently observing water levels. “We’ve experienced the tsunami 20 years ago. That memory shapes our caution today,” he said. “We’ve told residents to keep valuables close and be ready to move to higher ground if needed.”
Despite widespread rumors, officials continue to stress that there are currently no indications of a tsunami, though enhanced vigilance will continue through July 6. Warning towers across Phuket are functioning normally and are ready to broadcast emergency alerts if needed.
