The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) clarified why the Cell Broadcast system did not issue an alert after a magnitude 5.3 earthquake in Myanmar. Meanwhile, tremors were felt in four Thai provinces. The DDPM confirmed there was no impact on Thailand and instructed provinces to closely monitor the situation.
On 18 May 2026, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) reported a magnitude 5.3 earthquake in the sea near the southern coast of Myanmar. Residents in Chiang Mai, Lampang, Bangkok, and Nonthaburi provinces felt the tremors. There was no effect on Thailand, and initially no damage was reported.
Mr. Theeraphat Kachamat, Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, said the DDPM received reports from the Earthquake Surveillance Division of the Meteorological Department that at 09:05 on 18 May 2026, a magnitude 5.3 earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers near the southern coast of Myanmar. The epicenter was about 23 kilometers from the Sakai fault group, located southwest of Mae Sot district in Tak province, approximately 247 kilometers from Thailand. The earthquake did not affect Thailand.
Initially, people in four provinces felt the tremors, with no reports of damage. These included Chiang Mai (Mueang district), Lampang (Mueang district), Nonthaburi (Bang Kruai district), and Bangkok (districts including Bang Rak, Bang Phlat, Don Mueang, Pathum Wan, Sathorn, Khlong Toei, Chatuchak, Thung Khru, Bang Sue, Huai Khwang, Silom, Bangkok Noi, Thonburi, Phra Khanong, Phaya Thai, Lak Si, and Phasi Charoen).
According to the Cell Broadcast earthquake alert criteria, the Meteorological Department is the first agency to notify the public. The DDPM then provides safety instructions. Alerts are sent via Cell Broadcast under the following conditions: earthquakes on land in Thailand of magnitude 4.0 or higher; earthquakes on land in Southeast Asia of magnitude 6.0 or higher; and earthquakes in the Andaman Sea of magnitude 7.0 or higher.
The DDPM has coordinated and instructed provinces to continuously monitor the situation and to explain it clearly to the public to reduce panic. This includes guidance on safety measures and the support provided by government agencies. In affected areas, authorities are to assess damage and provide assistance according to official regulations and guidelines.
Finally, the public can follow disaster alerts via the “THAI DISASTER ALERT” application and report emergencies through the Line account “DDPM Incident Report 1784” or the safety hotline 1784, available 24 hours a day.