Fake news sparks panic over Narathiwat dam collapse

In a recent case of fake news causing unnecessary panic, officials debunked claims circulating on social media that a dam in Narathiwat province is at risk of collapsing due to sea waves triggered by a recent earthquake in the United States.

The Thailand Anti-Fake News Centre was quick to clarify that these rumours were false and misleading. They reassured the public that there are no active fault lines in the southern province of Narathiwat and that the province lies on a separate tectonic plate from the US, making any connection to the earthquake impossible.

The Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) confirmed that the region’s dams are safe, and there is no indication that the recent seismic activity has had any impact on local infrastructure. The rumours had caused unnecessary anxiety among residents, who feared a potential disaster.

Officials were quick to emphasise that the two countries, Thailand and the US, are geographically distant and situated on different tectonic plates. Therefore, any seismic event in the US would have no direct impact on Thailand.

“There have been no reports or indications that any dam in Narathiwat is at risk of collapse or serious damage,” stated the Anti-Fake News Centre.

The public was urged not to believe or spread unverified information. For reliable updates, residents were advised to follow official sources, such as the Royal Irrigation Department, the Department of Mineral Resources, or the Thai Meteorological Department, reported The Nation.

Officials reminded the public that suspicious or alarming news should always be verified with trusted agencies before being shared. The spread of false information not only causes panic but also diverts attention from actual safety concerns.