
BANGKOK, Thailand – The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has announced that a nationwide emergency alert system test will be conducted on May 13, with the test set to begin at 1:00 p.m. The alert will be delivered via the Cell Broadcast system to mobile phones in five provinces, including Chiang Mai, Ayutthaya, Udon Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Bangkok.
Mobile users in these areas with 4G or 5G devices running Android version 11 or higher or iOS version 18 or higher will automatically receive a message in both Thai and English. The notification will confirm that it is a system test and ask recipients not to be alarmed.
People outside the designated areas may also receive the message if they are located within 1.5 kilometers of participating broadcast towers. The DDPM affirmed that the alert is part of a scheduled system check and does not indicate an actual emergency.
Officials have advised the public not to respond to the message or click on any links, as none will be included. No action is required from recipients other than to acknowledge that it is a routine test.
The DDPM stated that the drill aims to strengthen the country’s emergency response capabilities, ensuring warning systems function properly in real disaster situations. (NNT)