Cell Broadcast Emergency Alert or Cell Broadcast Services (CBS) will have a nationwide system test on Tuesday, 20 Jan 2026 at 14:00 across all provinces in Thailand. Rapid information awareness is key to safety. Cell Broadcast (pronounced “Cell Broadcast”) has become a widely discussed emergency alert system because it can instantly send messages to the public via mobile phones. Many have seen alert messages pop up on their screens but may not fully understand how the system works. Thairath Online will help you get to know it better.
Cell Broadcast or Cell Broadcast Services is a message delivery system for emergency alerts from government agencies sent directly to mobile phones in targeted areas immediately. Its key features are that it doesn't require knowing phone numbers, installing apps, or using internet signals; it relies solely on mobile network signals.
When a message is sent, the system displays an alert with sound on the screen even if the phone is locked. Cell Broadcast alerts are typically used for important cases such as:
For enabling emergency alerts on both iOS iPhone and Android devices, menu options may vary slightly depending on the phone model and brand. It is recommended to update the operating system to the latest version (Android 11 or iOS 18 and above) to fully support government alerts.
1. Go to Settings.
2. Select Notifications.
3. Scroll to the bottom to find Emergency Alerts (TH-ALERT).
4. Enable Emergency Alert notifications or all related alerts.
1. Go to Settings.
2. Select Security & Emergency.
3. Enter Wireless Emergency Alerts menu.
4. Enable all types of alerts such as Severe Alerts, Earthquake Alerts, or Test Alerts.
Checking and enabling these settings in advance reduces the chance of missing important alerts. However, some may wonder why they did not receive Cell Broadcast messages despite alerts being sent. Common reasons include:
The government has announced a nationwide Cell Broadcast emergency alert test to familiarize the public with the system. It will take place on 20 January 2026 at 14:00.
During this time, compatible phones (Android 11 or iOS 18 and above) will receive an alert similar to a real emergency. The message will clearly state it is a system test, not a real emergency, to avoid causing alarm.
The test of Cell Broadcast is an important step in developing the country's alert system to deliver information quickly, accurately, and reach as many people as possible.
Summary Cell Broadcast Service is an emergency alert system that helps the public receive urgent information quickly and widely. Pre-enabling alert notifications on your phone is a simple way to enhance safety for yourself and those around you. When fully operational, a few seconds of alert messages could significantly reduce losses.
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