In 2025, Thailand once again found itself at the center of discussions about tsunami risk, preparedness, and public safety. While no destructive waves struck the country, a series of warnings, preparedness drills, and seismic activities in nearby seas created heightened awareness—and, at times, unnecessary panic. Social media fueled confusion, with phrases like “na piscina” (Portuguese for “in the pool”) circulating online, though such reports did not reflect actual events. Instead, the reality of 2025 was one of preparation rather than disaster.
Early Concerns and Earthquake Clusters in the Andaman Sea
The year began relatively calm, but by late June 2025, scientists detected an unusual cluster of over 15 moderate earthquakes in the Andaman Sea. These tremors ranged between magnitude 3.0 and 5.0 and were linked to a submerged volcanic zone west of Thailand.
While earthquakes in this area are not uncommon, their frequency drew attention. Public anxiety rose, with many fearing a repeat of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami that devastated Thailand’s coastal provinces. However, seismologists emphasized that the Andaman Sea’s strike-slip fault system was unlikely to produce a tsunami, as this type of fault does not usually displace enough water to generate large waves.
Nationwide Tsunami Drill: June 27, 2025
To strengthen disaster preparedness, Thailand conducted a comprehensive tsunami evacuation drill on June 27, 2025. The exercise covered six Andaman Sea provinces: Ranong, Phang Nga, Krabi, Trang, Satun, and Phuket—regions historically vulnerable to tsunamis.
Authorities tested two levels of alerts:
• M2 Alert (Potential Tsunami Warning): Issued after an undersea earthquake, advising people to move to higher ground.
• M3 Alert (Confirmed Tsunami Warning): Issued when waves are confirmed, instructing immediate evacuation.
The drill, widely publicized and practiced by both locals and tourists, reinforced evacuation routes, emergency broadcasts, and coordination between local and national agencies.
Manila Fault Line Concerns: July 26, 2025
The most significant alert of the year came in late July. On July 26, 2025, Thailand’s Meteorological Department issued a warning about the Manila Fault Line, located west of the Philippines. Experts noted that a powerful earthquake in this region could trigger tsunami waves capable of traveling across the South China Sea into the Gulf of Thailand.
Projections suggested that if such an event occurred, waves might reach Chonburi, Samut Prakan, Rayong, and Trat within one and a half to two hours. Authorities stressed vigilance and readiness, though no tsunami ultimately materialized. Still, the warning highlighted Thailand’s vulnerability, not just along the Andaman coast but also the Gulf of Thailand—a region less commonly associated with tsunami risk.
Public Anxiety, Misinformation, and the “Na Piscina” Confusion
As alerts spread through official channels, social media gave birth to its own wave of misinformation. One phrase that circulated was “na piscina”, Portuguese for “in the pool.” Posts and memes implied that tsunami waves had flooded swimming pools or resort areas in Thailand.
In reality, no such incidents occurred. All tsunami-related activity in 2025 involved either preparedness drills or precautionary warnings. Yet, the viral spread of misleading content showed how quickly fear can amplify online, especially in a country where tourism is central and memories of 2004 remain vivid.
Lessons in Preparedness
Though no destructive tsunami struck Thailand in 2025, the year served as a reminder of the importance of vigilance. Three key lessons emerged:
1. Preparedness Saves Lives: The June 27 drill showed Thailand’s commitment to readiness. Tourists and locals alike benefited from clear evacuation procedures and rehearsed communication systems.
2. Science Over Panic: Earthquakes in the Andaman and Manila regions triggered public fear, but scientific assessments provided balance. Understanding fault systems and tsunami generation mechanisms helped avoid unnecessary panic.
3. Managing Information: The rise of phrases like “na piscina” underscored the challenge of misinformation. While official alerts were factual and measured, social media narratives risked exaggerating or distorting events.
A Year of Readiness, Not Ruin
In the end, Thailand’s 2025 tsunami story was not one of destruction but of awareness, resilience, and preparedness. The drills, alerts, and scientific evaluations collectively strengthened the nation’s defenses. While social media confusion briefly clouded the picture, the country’s official response systems worked as intended—keeping millions safe while ensuring that the shadow of 2004 remains a history lesson, not a repeated tragedy.