BANGKOK, Thailand – The Thai Meteorological Department clarified that no Cell Broadcast emergency alert was issued after a magnitude 5.3 earthquake in Myanmar on the morning of May 18, 2026, because the event did not meet Thailand’s alert criteria for earthquakes outside the country. The department stated the earthquake was felt in several high-rise buildings in Bangkok, but the magnitude was below the threshold for Cell Broadcast notifications in outer-zone earthquake events. Alerts are issued only when earthquakes outside Thailand exceed magnitude 6.0.
Authorities also confirmed that no aftershocks have been reported at this time and advised the public to continue following official safety information from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation. Meanwhile, the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) issued urgent instructions to educational service area offices and school directors nationwide to monitor the situation and prepare earthquake response measures after tremors were felt in parts of Bangkok.
OBEC Deputy Secretary-General Pattarawan Pattarabovornwut said no damage to schools has been reported so far. All educational offices were instructed to closely monitor school buildings and surrounding facilities as a precaution. The OBEC emphasized safety guidelines for schools, urging institutions to remain cautious rather than panic, identify safe zones, conduct orderly evacuations when necessary, and report incidents promptly to protect students, teachers, and educational personnel. (NNT)
