BMA deliberates on DDPM insights gleaned from Cell Broadcast trial
Thailand's Cell Broadcast Test: Boosting Disaster Warnings in Bangkok 🗓️ (June 10, 2025)
It's full steam ahead for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) as they collaborate with the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) to improve the city's disaster warning system, via a mobile-based emergency alert system known as Cell Broadcast. 📣
The conversation between Assoc Prof Tavida Kamolvej, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, and Passakorn Boonyalak, DDPM's director-general, wasn't just small talk. It took place in Meeting Room 1, Building 3, on the 5th floor, at the department's Dusit district headquarters. The agenda was clear: reviewing the Cell Broadcast trial results, pinpointing obstacles, discussing remedies, and outlining standard operating procedures (SOPs) to simplify the process. 🛠
SOPs—step-by-step guides developed by organizations to help staff carry out complex daily operations—are an essential part of streamlining disaster response operations. 🎯
The get-together didn't stop at just discussing the Cell Broadcast system. It also looked into ways to increase cooperation in disaster responses across all sectors, promoting collaborative efforts ever since the earthquake on March 28, 2025. 🤝 Additionally, the gathering addressed a review of the shared emergency response plan for an hypothetical water-related calamity involving both the BMA and DDPM. 🌊
But that's not all. The Cell Broadcast emergency alert system has already demonstrated success early this year, with trials in different locations yielding positive results. In fact, the Ministry of Interior confirmed a nationwide rollout for July 2025, when the groundbreaking system will reach mobile phones in disaster-stricken areas across the country. 🌐
The BMA and DDPM aren't resting on their laurels. They're working together to integrate the Cell Broadcast system with emergency alerts via TV broadcasting, aiming to ensure comprehensive disaster notification coverage, particularly for individuals who don't own smartphones. 📺 Moreover, they're planning an awareness campaign to educate the public about the new system and minimize confusion when alerts are issued. 🧠
Stay tuned for more updates on the Cell Broadcast test, as it continues to evolve and make strides in enhancing Thailand's disaster warning systems. 🔜
NOTE: The Cell Broadcast system is a mobile-based emergency alert system that delivers real-time notifications to mobile phones in disaster-affected regions, covering different types of catastrophes such as earthquakes and floods.
(Related: BMA Tackles Grease Blockages, Boosting Drainage Efficiency | BMA Contributing at WorldPride Washington DC 2025 | BMA Collaborates with Private Sector for a Dream Sports Hub)
(Sources: 1) Bangkok Post, May 20, 2025. 2) The Nation, May 17, 2025. 3) Prachachat, May 14, 2025. 4) Manager, May 12, 2025.)
Despite the ongoing collaboration on a mobile-based emergency alert system to bolster disaster warnings, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) seek to expand cooperation in other areas. In particular, they aim to increase coordination in disaster responses across diverse sectors, learning lessons from the March 28, 2025 earthquake. Beyond this, they plan to review a shared emergency response plan for a hypothetical water-related calamity, as well as integrate the Cell Broadcast system with television broadcasting for complete disaster notification coverage, especially benefiting individuals without smartphones.
Meanwhile, in the world beyond emergency response, the BMA has been making strides in areas such as resolving grease blockages to boost drainage efficiency, contributing to WorldPride Washington DC 2025, and collaborating with the private sector to establish a dream sports hub.
