In a proactive move following a tragic shooting incident at a Bangkok shopping mall last week, Thai authorities are taking significant steps to enhance emergency communication. Government officials revealed on Tuesday that Thailand is preparing to implement an emergency alert system via short messaging service (SMS) on mobile phones.
Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Chantararuangthong conveyed that a location-based emergency warning system is fully prepared for deployment, following successful trials of SMS alerts conducted by government agencies and telecom operators last week. This development was shared with reporters after a cabinet meeting, emphasizing the importance of swift and targeted communication during public emergencies.
Chantararuangthong emphasized that the SMS warning system serves as a short-term solution, enabling direct notification to the public during emergencies. Looking ahead, the government plans to establish an advanced cell broadcast technology that can transmit alerts to all devices connected to mobile networks within a specific target region, ensuring a comprehensive and efficient alert dissemination mechanism in the long run.
The urgency of this development was underscored by a tragic incident that unfolded last Tuesday, where a 14-year-old individual opened fire at a Bangkok shopping mall, resulting in the loss of two lives and injuries to five others. This event served as a catalyst for prompt action in implementing measures to bolster the nation’s emergency alert capabilities.
