Thailand tests disaster alert system, many worry it excludes people.
The news out of Bangkok this week reads like a textbook case study in the complexities of implementing public safety infrastructure. The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department is conducting another cell broadcast test, aimed at refining their mobile disaster alert system, as detailed in this Bangkok Post article. While seemingly straightforward—a test to ensure mobile phones receive timely warnings—the context reveals a more nuanced and potentially troubling situation.
This isn’t simply a routine check. The impetus for these tests, covering Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Udon Thani, stems from a system failure following an earthquake in central Myanmar. The delay in delivering warning messages exposed a critical vulnerability in Thailand’s disaster response infrastructure, highlighting the gap between theoretical preparedness and practical execution. The fact that a 30-floor building, presumably adhering to at least some level of safety code, collapsed in Bangkok just prior to the earthquake incident isn’t explicitly mentioned but hangs heavy in the air — a chilling reminder of systemic vulnerabilities.
The limitations of the test itself are also worth examining. It only includes 4G and 5G mobile phone users, specifically those with newer operating system versions (Android 11+ and iOS 18+). This immediately creates a digital divide in access to potentially life-saving information, excluding those with older devices, who are often the most vulnerable in a disaster. It raises crucial questions about equitable access to essential services. Beyond the technology itself, the article notes that warnings on mobile phones might spill over into areas surrounding the five tested provinces within 1.5 kilometers of their borders.
The challenges of implementing such a system, and the potential consequences of its failure, are significant. Consider the factors involved:
- Technological infrastructure: The reliance on specific mobile technologies creates inherent limitations and inequalities.
- Coordination: Effective disaster response requires seamless coordination between various government agencies, telecommunications providers, and local communities.
- Public trust: Repeated tests, especially those acknowledging potential inaccuracies or “spillover,” can erode public trust in the system’s reliability.
- Communication strategies: A simple warning message is insufficient. Clear, concise, and culturally relevant instructions are essential to ensure people know how to respond.
The effectiveness of any disaster alert system is not solely determined by its technological capabilities, but also by its ability to foster trust, equity, and informed action within the population it serves. If failures erode that trust, even the most advanced technology becomes practically useless.
The situation in Thailand offers a crucial lesson for policymakers globally. Disaster preparedness is not merely about deploying technology; it’s about building resilient systems that address the complex social, economic, and technological realities of the communities they are designed to protect. The success of this system, and the safety of countless individuals, hinges on learning from past failures and continuously adapting to the evolving challenges of a rapidly changing world.
