Thailand conducts large-scale test for mobile emergency alert

摘要：Thailand successfully conducted a large-scale test of its new mobile emergency alert system using cell broadcast technology on Tue

Thailand successfully conducted a large-scale test of its new mobile emergency alert system using cell broadcast technology on Tuesday, with full implementation expected by July, authorities said.

According to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), the public trial took place at 1:00 p.m. local time when a single "National Alert" message was sent through all mobile network providers to users in the designated areas, including the capital Bangkok and four major provinces.

Results from the test were satisfactory, DDPM director-general Phasakorn Boonyalak said. "Officials and media in the command center received alerts swiftly and residents in all test areas heard the alarm and saw the warning message on their phones."

For users of older 2G and 3G devices, which do not support cell broadcast technology, alerts would be sent via the Short Message Service (SMS) in real scenarios, with mobile operators confirming delivery within 10 minutes, Phasakorn said.

He noted that the provincial-level test followed successful smaller drills in government buildings and select urban districts earlier this month, which demonstrated rapid and wide-reaching delivery of alerts, along with high public awareness and responsiveness to early warnings.

The department also plans to perform a full-scale nationwide test in July to enhance public and tourist confidence in the Southeast Asian country's alert system, ensuring that warnings reach all at-risk populations effectively.

Source: Xinhua