In a bid to quell public panic, Thailand’s Anti-Fake News Centre has issued a strong warning against believing social media rumors claiming that a major earthquake will strike the country within the next three months. The alert, which gained traction on platforms like Facebook, has been categorically dismissed as false by the centre, with support from the Thai Meteorological Department.
Official Rebuttal of Earthquake Claims
The Anti-Fake News Centre, tasked with combating misinformation in Thailand, released a statement on Saturday addressing the viral warning. The centre clarified that the Meteorological Department had reviewed the claims and found no scientific basis for predicting such an event. According to the department, as quoted by the centre, “Current technology is not capable of predicting when or where an earthquake will occur.” This statement underscores the limitations of modern seismology in providing precise forecasts, a fact often misunderstood by the public amid the rapid spread of unverified information online. 
The centre’s response highlights a broader issue of misinformation in the digital age, where unfounded claims can quickly spiral into widespread fear. By directly addressing the rumor, Thai authorities aim to restore calm and prevent unnecessary anxiety among citizens, particularly in a country with limited historical exposure to devastating seismic events.
Global Earthquake Context
To provide perspective, the Anti-Fake News Centre cited global statistics on earthquake frequency. Earthquakes of a magnitude of 7.1 or higher—considered devastating—are relatively rare on a global scale. While smaller tremors occur frequently, the likelihood of a catastrophic event in any specific region, including Thailand, remains low based on historical data. This context is crucial for understanding why such rumors, though alarming, often lack credibility when scrutinized against scientific records.
Thailand itself is not located in a highly active seismic zone like the Pacific Ring of Fire, which includes countries such as Indonesia and the Philippines. However, the country has experienced minor earthquakes in the past, particularly in northern regions near fault lines. This history may contribute to public sensitivity around seismic warnings, making it easier for rumors to gain traction.
The Challenge of Misinformation in Thailand
The spread of fake news via social media platforms poses a significant challenge for authorities in Thailand, where internet penetration and smartphone usage are among the highest in Southeast Asia. False information can spread rapidly, often outpacing official responses. The Anti-Fake News Centre, established to monitor and counter such threats, has been active in addressing a range of hoaxes, from health-related myths to political conspiracies. However, the earthquake rumor illustrates the persistent difficulty of managing public perception in real time.
Critics of the centre have occasionally raised concerns about its scope, arguing that efforts to combat misinformation must be balanced against freedom of expression. While the centre’s intervention in this case appears to be grounded in public safety, the broader debate over how to regulate online content without overreach remains unresolved. For now, the focus is on educating the public to verify information through trusted sources rather than relying on unverified social media posts.
Public Reaction and Education Efforts
Public reactions to the debunked rumor have varied, with some expressing relief at the official clarification while others remain skeptical of both the rumor and the government’s response. On social media platforms, posts reflecting confusion or distrust highlight the need for sustained public education on distinguishing credible information from speculation. The Anti-Fake News Centre has urged citizens to refer to official channels, such as the Meteorological Department, for updates on natural disaster risks.
Beyond immediate rebuttals, there is a growing recognition of the need for digital literacy programs in Thailand. Schools, community organizations, and government agencies could play a role in teaching critical thinking skills to help individuals navigate the flood of information online. Such initiatives, if implemented effectively, could reduce the impact of future hoaxes and build resilience against misinformation.
Looking Ahead: Building Trust in a Digital Era
As Thailand grapples with the challenges of the digital age, the earthquake rumor serves as a reminder of the power—and peril—of social media. While the Anti-Fake News Centre’s swift response has likely mitigated some of the potential panic, the incident raises broader questions about how to foster trust between authorities and the public in an era of information overload. For now, officials continue to monitor online platforms for similar falsehoods, hoping to stay one step ahead of the next viral scare.
