The Disaster Prevention Department joins forces with the Meteorological Department and the Department of Mineral Resources to monitor 16 fault groups across the country, emphasizing awareness without panic and preparing to use Cell Broadcast to notify the public.
On 18 Aug 2026 GMT+7, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), together with the Meteorological Department and the Department of Mineral Resources, monitored earthquake activity and fault lines. Mr. Theerapat Kachamat, DDPM Director-General, chaired the meeting, attended by Mr. Preecha Saithong, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Mineral Resources, Mr. Burin Vejbanterng, earthquake expert from the Meteorological Department, central bureau directors, and other officials.
Mr. Theerapat Kachamat, DDPM Director-General, stated that earthquakes and tsunamis remain natural disasters that cannot yet be predicted. Countries worldwide prioritize monitoring, surveillance, alerts, and providing earthquake-related information to the public. Recently, earthquakes have occurred in the Asian region, though without impact on Thailand. Nevertheless, the DDPM, Meteorological Department, and Department of Mineral Resources continuously track earthquake activity and fault lines to maintain readiness.
Currently, Thailand has 16 active fault groups: Mae Chan Fault (Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai), Mae Ing Fault (Chiang Rai), Mae Hong Son Fault (Mae Hong Son, Tak), Moei Fault (Tak, Kamphaeng Phet), Mae Tha Fault (Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Chiang Rai), Thoen Fault (Lampang, Phrae), Phayao Fault (Phayao, Chiang Rai, Lampang), Pua Fault (Nan), Uttaradit Fault (Uttaradit), Chedi Sam Ong Fault (Kanchanaburi), Srisawat Fault (Kanchanaburi, Kamphaeng Phet, Uthai Thani, Tak, Suphan Buri), Ranong Fault (Ranong, Chumphon, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Phang Nga), Khlong Marui Fault (Surat Thani, Krabi, Phang Nga, Phuket), Phetchabun Fault (Phetchabun, Loei), Mae Lao Fault (Chiang Rai), and Wiang Haeng Fault (Chiang Mai).
To monitor these, the Meteorological Department has installed 111 seismic monitoring stations nationwide, 55 ground acceleration stations, and 19 crustal movement stations for ongoing surveillance. The Department of Mineral Resources regularly surveys these fault lines. All 16 faults are active and capable of causing earthquakes, though most quakes in Thailand are minor and do not affect infrastructure. The Department of Mineral Resources continues routine fault assessments.
Regarding alerts, the DDPM’s National Disaster Warning Center collaborates with the Meteorological Department, Department of Mineral Resources, and related agencies to establish standard operating procedures (SOP) for earthquake warnings via Cell Broadcast. Alerts are categorized based on earthquake characteristics and location as follows:
In the case of onshore earthquakes:
In the case of tsunami threats: Alerts will be issued for earthquakes of magnitude 7.6 or higher with a depth less than 100 kilometers.
For earthquake alerts, the Meteorological Department is the first agency to send warning messages to the public, followed by the DDPM issuing safety instructions for people’s protection.
“Earthquake preparedness involves many agencies and requires planning across policy, operations, science, research, and public awareness. Especially important is understanding earthquake risks and alert thresholds for onshore quakes and tsunamis via Cell Broadcast, so the public receives accurate information and can respond safely if events occur,” said Mr. Theerapat, DDPM Director-General.
“Beyond effective monitoring and alerts, government agencies must jointly enhance knowledge among residents and communities near the 16 fault lines and in provinces that feel tremors from neighboring countries or the region to build awareness and prevent panic,” Mr. Theerapat added.