If your phone suddenly bursts into an ear-splitting alarm this May, don’t rush to dive under your desk or start concocting a survival plan—it’s merely a test. Grab a seat and let me walk you through the calm chaos orchestrated by Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM). They’ve scheduled a full-scale tech rehearsal of their spiffy emergency Cell Broadcast alert system. This trial run is set to penetrate through the airwaves on May 2, 7, and 13, sending shockwaves—literally and figuratively—across selected locales.
The planned olé of alert tests rolls out in three sizes: small, medium, and large, all commencing at the suspenseful stroke of 1 PM sharp. Each phone will scream out an intensely loud, stirring tone and display a message in both Thai and English, stressing the importance of serenity: “This is a test message from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM). No action required.” Now, that’s comforting, in a loud, in-your-face sort of way.
On Friday, May 2, anticipate a low-key, novel-synchronized indoor test across five sites, including Chiang Rai, Ubon Ratchathani, Suphan Buri, Songkhla, and both titular Buildings A and B of the Bangkok Government Complex. Next up on Wednesday, May 7, the stakes rise with district-level blitzes across the Mueang districts of Lampang, Nakhon Sawan, Nakhon Ratchasima, Surat Thani, and the bustling Din Daeng in Bangkok. Hold on to your hats for the grand crescendo on Tuesday, May 13—a sweeping, province-wide test exploding in Chiang Mai, Udon Thani, Ayutthaya, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and the sprawling city of Bangkok.
According to a DDPM spokesperson, these tests aren’t just for shits and giggles—they’re essential to ensure, in a genuine emergency, the alarm infiltrates phones with precision and haste. “We want to ensure that when the time comes, the alert reaches everyone clearly and quickly.” Strong words, reassuring purpose.
This snazzy Cell Broadcast method is designed to surmount even the most stubborn silent or do-not-disturb profiles on your phone. It’s the unsung hero that guarantees life-saving messages pierce through during dire straits—be it raging natural disasters, severe civil emergencies, or looming public safety threats, as reported by The Nation. So, should your phone wail in early May, resist the urge to panic—or face-plant into the nearest pillow—and remember: it’s all just a harmless drill.
If you’re still breathing heavily from all this talk of alarm systems, distress not! Here’s some more riveting titbits fresh off the press: A Thai woman’s excessive devotion to a Buriram cult ostensibly precipitated her husband’s untimely demise. Meanwhile, Chinese tourists are preferring Vietnam over Thailand as travel costs climb, and the teen drama goes dark when a young Thai confesses to the egregious abuse of their adopted sibling. To cool you off, perhaps wander to Pattani where a bomb attack left seven volunteer enthusiasts rattled, or consider the strange case of Bangkok’s gambling site shenanigans tangled in academic scandal—it’s a whirlwind.
Life is rife with enthralling updates—it’s just a matter of letting your phone purr with them. But until then, bask in the tranquility of knowing that when it does shriek, it’s not the apocalypse—just a cheeky way of saying, “hey there, stay prepared!”
I think these emergency alert tests are necessary. Imagine if there’s a real disaster and we’re caught unprepared.
True, but imagine the chaos! What if everyone’s phone rings at work? That’s bound to be disruptive.
Guess you’ve got a point, but I’d rather be disrupted than unprepared in an actual emergency.
In my office, phones ringing would be hilarious. A bit of light-hearted chaos once in a while isn’t that bad.
Who thought making the alarms loud was a good idea? My phone’s DND for a reason!
The loud alarms make sure you never miss them, even when your phone’s on silent.
It’s cool that the message is in both Thai and English. Ensures everyone can understand.
Agree. Thailand’s diverse. Not everyone knows Thai. Very inclusive approach.
Lat month’s tsunami alert in Indonesia was delayed. If this system works, it’ll be worth the loud disruptions.
That’s exactly it! If they can save lives, then blast those alarms all day!
Carlos, don’t give them ideas! 😅
Does anyone actually read these test messages, though?
Haha, probably skim and roll eyes. But nice practice, just in case.
I’m all for preparation but wouldn’t subtle alerts work better? Sounds a bit overboard.
Overboard until you’re caught in a flash flood with no idea what’s up.
Fine, fine, you win this one. Safety first. 😅
Mildly entertained by the ‘calm chaos’. These alerts sound scheduled like performances. 🎭
I wonder if these tests will lead to people ignoring real warnings eventually.
Dangerous precedent if it results in crying wolf. Important balance to maintain.
I’m planning a visit in May. Will tourists be informed of these tests?
Cell Broadcast methods? Seems like they’re using the best tech for safety.
This tech pierces all silences, vital in emergencies. More countries should adopt it.
The mention of Thai woman in cult was unexpected twist at end. News growing darker.
True. Seems like world is on strange path lately. More bad news every day.
Cell Broadcast technology reminds me of sci-fi. We’re living in the future.
The idea of tech saving lives fascinates. Now if only it could stop bad weather!
Here’s hoping I don’t get caught in the middle of the large province test while traveling.
Think of it as an immersive experience, Alan. 😜
Proud of Thailand taking these steps, even if my phone yells at me for existing.
Broader dissemination should prioritize sensitive venues like hospitals, etc.
I predict lots of online memes about this by May. 😂