Fact-Checker Debunks Viral Flood Warning as Misinformation
A viral flood warning claiming catastrophic flooding would hit Eastern Thailand within 120 hours has been debunked as misinformation by fact-checkers, with neither the Meteorological nor Disaster Prevention departments issuing the alert. Of
On September 22, 2024, Cofact investigated a viral warning claiming "only 120 hours remain before a major flood strikes the Eastern region," with warnings of widespread flooding in Bangkok and surrounding areas from torrential rain on September 24-27. The fact-checking organization confirmed that the message is panic-inducing content and not an official alert from the Meteorological Department or the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department.
Starting on September 21-22, 2024, large numbers of social media users shared the warning from a Facebook page called "T Weather," urging people to move belongings to higher ground and stockpile supplies and medicine. The original post claimed massive financial losses would occur in the Nakhon Nayok, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chanthaburi, and Trat river basins, with possible toxins spreading through the Prachuap basin, and that Bangkok and its suburbs would face flooding in all districts due to torrential rain.
When Cofact investigated on September 22 at noon, the original Facebook page could not be located, leaving only screenshots and copied text that had been widely shared. Officials from both the Meteorological Department and the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department confirmed the message did not originate from either agency. However, the Meteorological Department noted that the current rainy season does carry the risk of heavy rainfall from monsoon influence and low-pressure systems.
The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department stated that any emergency alerts would be issued via Cell Broadcast on mobile phones. Both agencies urged the public to rely only on information from trusted official sources. As of September 22, official forecasts indicated heavy to very heavy rain across the North, Lower Northeast, Central region, Bangkok and surrounding areas, the Eastern region, and the South from September 23-27, with risks of flash floods and flash flooding, especially in foothill areas and low-lying zones near waterways.
