Bangkok (VNA) – Thailand conducted a nationwide test of the disaster alert system via mobile phone signals (Cell Broadcast) on January 20.
The system provides warnings across 14 hazard categories: earthquakes, tsunamis, windstorms (tropical cyclones), floods, mudslides, cold weather, PM2.5 fine dust, violent incidents in public areas, human epidemics, fires, chemical and hazardous materials incidents, cyber threats, traffic and transport incidents, and armed conflict.
The test was conducted by the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), and network providers National Telecom Public Company Limited, True Corporation Public Company Limited and Advanced Info Service Public Company Limited.
A national alert was sent to the public’s mobile phones, used for major disasters that are severe and affect multiple areas. Recipients received both Thai and English messages.
Unsit Sampuntharat, Permanent Secretary for the Interior Ministry, said the test confirms the system’s readiness and it will be an important tool to help Thailand issue warnings effectively./.