CHIANG RAI – The National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command Center has raised concern over small earthquakes that have been happening more often since early this year in Chiang Rai. Most have been too mild to damage major buildings.
Still, they have been strong enough for many people to feel them, especially in Northern Thailand. That region sits near 16 active fault lines, and Chiang Rai still remembers the impact of a major quake within the last decade.
Because of rising concern, the government is moving from case-by-case updates to a more organized, ongoing watch. On March 4, 2026, the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command Center held a meeting at the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM).
Deputy Interior Minister Sakda Wichiansilp chaired the session. The goal was to review earthquake activity, tighten readiness in higher-risk provinces, and order checks on dams and other critical infrastructure nationwide.
Data shared in the meeting showed a clear pattern. Most earthquakes in Thailand are small, with more than 90 percent measuring below magnitude 3.0. However, some recent quakes have been shallow. Because of that, people can feel them even when the magnitude is not high. As a result, anxiety has spiked in some areas.
Chiang Rai Earthquakes of Low Magnitude
In Chiang Rai, several small quakes were widely felt and reported. For example, a magnitude 3.3 event in Mae Sai district occurred in mid-February 2026. Another magnitude 3.1 earthquake followed in Phan district in late February 2026.
These incidents are reported by Nakorn News in Thai and Chiang Rai Times in English. They also reminded people that magnitude alone does not decide what you feel. Depth and distance from the epicenter often matter just as much.
That is why public communication must go hand in hand with engineering and geological monitoring. People need clear guidance on what is normal seismic activity and what calls for closer attention, so fear does not grow faster than facts.
During the session, the deputy minister stressed a key point. Earthquakes cannot be predicted in advance. So, the focus must shift from panic to practical readiness. That includes running evacuation drills, preparing rescue equipment, and checking the safety of structures that could pose risks.
Key topics discussed included:
- Tracking active fault lines and recent earthquake trends
- Assessing potential impacts on critical infrastructure, especially dams and public utilities
- Sharing accurate updates quickly to reduce rumors and confusion
On the local side, Chiang Rai reported its readiness through the deputy governor. The province highlighted updated response plans, practice drills, and public awareness work in higher-risk areas.
Another major point was Thailand’s structural risk, which ties directly to the country’s geography and geology. Geological agencies reported that Thailand currently recognizes 16 active fault lines. At the same time, officials are studying 13 additional fault lines to build a more complete, accurate database.
These figures are not meant to scare people. They confirm that risk exists and that planning must rely on updated data. When people understand the basics, they can make better choices. They can know which buildings need repeat inspections, where safe assembly points should be, and how schools and hospitals should run evacuation drills.
Cell Broadcast notifications
The meeting also told local agencies and local administrative organizations to inspect high-rise buildings, billboard structures, and other construction that could fail during shaking. Officials also ordered checks on small dams, weirs, and embankments. If inspectors find damage, agencies must fix it right away. In addition, each area should keep emergency plans current, not just on paper.
The government also emphasized faster, clearer public alerts. One tool highlighted was Cell Broadcast notifications to mobile phones. Agencies will use this alongside official channels from DDPM and the Thai Meteorological Department, so people get accurate information quickly and rumors have less room to spread.
The meeting summary listed alert thresholds for earthquake-related Cell Broadcast messages.
These levels aim to warn people at the right time without causing unnecessary alarm:
- On-land earthquakes in Thailand, magnitude 4.0 and above
- On-land earthquakes in Southeast Asia, magnitude 6.0 and above
- Earthquakes in the Andaman Sea, magnitude 7.0 and above
At the same time, the government continues improving the Thai Disaster Alert app as a single hub for multiple hazards. The goal is simple, help people access the same reliable information at the same time.
For Chiang Rai, earthquakes affect more than daily life. They also touch tourism confidence, local business, and the protection of cultural and historic sites. Because of that, communication needs to do two things at once.
First, it should stick to scientific facts; most events are small, and monitoring systems are active. Second, it must tell people what they can do right away, so uncertainty does not turn into added risk.
During the meeting, the deputy minister urged schools, hospitals, and high-rise buildings in risk zones to run regular evacuation drills. Officials also reminded the public to follow standard safety guidance during shaking: Drop, Cover, and Hold On. People should also avoid using elevators during an earthquake.
What you can do now to turn worry into readiness
To keep household preparation realistic, disaster agencies recommend a few simple steps:
- Secure cabinets, shelves, and heavy furniture to the walls to prevent tipping
- Prepare an emergency bag (water, dry food, flashlight, personal medicines, and key documents)
- Set a family meeting point and a way to reconnect if phone service fails
- Follow official sources first, and avoid sharing unverified posts
Overall, the government message is straightforward. You cannot forecast an earthquake, but you can lower injuries and losses. Quick, correct actions matter, and community-wide safety habits make a real difference.
