The recent 7.7 magnitude earthquake that hit Myanmar and surrounding countries including Thailand, has revealed issues in the country about disaster readiness and management.
In a recent The Nation report, Apple has confirmed that it would be unlocking the cell broadcast system in Thailand, which will reach 50 million users in the country to receive emergency alerts within the next two weeks. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) will send the emergency alerts according to the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC).
Acting Secretray-General and Deputy Secretary-General Trairat Viriyasirikul of the NBTC said that Apple has responded positively to the request of the DDPM to activate its systems within five days. SMS alerts will follow within the next 2 weeks. According to Viriyasirikul, “SMS was never designed for disaster warnings. It’s primarily a commercial tool. That’s why we’re implementing cell broadcast.”
In addition, the NBTC is also expanding its LINE ALERT warning service, which can possibly reach 200,000 users.
Hotline 1531, a dedicated hotline has been established for reporting earthquake-related building damage.
The NBTC board has been directed to investigate and address the delay in the implementation of the emergency communication warning systems.