Bangkok: The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has successfully conducted a large-scale test of the Cell Broadcast warning system across five provinces in Thailand, simulating scenarios of summer storms. The test covered Chiang Mai, Udon Thani, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Bangkok, with governors of these provinces confirming the receipt of clear signals during a video conference with the DDPM.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Phasakon Boonyalak, the Director-General of DDPM, led the test, emphasizing the importance of improving the system's efficiency to ensure that the public receives timely information. This test marks the third attempt to refine Thailand's first-of-its-kind Cell Broadcast warning system, aiming to enhance public safety during severe weather events.
The test commenced with a command request approved by Mr. Phasakon at 1:00 p.m. Following the simulation, each provincial governor reported successful signal reception. In Bangkok, Governor Chadchart Sittipunt confirmed receiving the signal at the City Hall and throughout all 50 districts. Similarly, the governors of Nakhon Si Thammarat, Udon Thani, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, and Chiang Mai reported clear and timely reception across their regions.
Mr. Phasakon expressed satisfaction with the test outcomes, noting that both the DDPM's operations center and the public across the tested provinces received the warnings effectively. He extended gratitude to all sectors and mobile service providers involved in the test, acknowledging their role in identifying and overcoming previous challenges to improve system efficiency.