Phuket earthquake sinking rumour slammed as fake news
Rumours that Phuket could vanish beneath the waves after a major earthquake sent shockwaves across social media but officials say it’s all nonsense.
The Anti-Fake News Centre stepped in yesterday, April 24, to squash a viral claim suggesting that the popular Thai island could sink into the sea following a massive tremor.
The panic-inducing posts also alleged a catastrophic death toll of between 40,000 and 60,000, causing widespread fear among residents and tourists alike.
According to the centre, which operates under Thailand’s Digital Economy and Society Ministry, the information circulating online was categorically false.
“The Department of Mineral Resources confirms that Phuket is located far from any major earthquake epicentres that could generate an impact severe enough to cause such an event. Therefore, the likelihood of a major earthquake occurring in Phuket is extremely low,” the statement read.
Officials confirmed that no official agency or geological institution had issued such warnings and labelled the claims as baseless fearmongering. The department reiterated that Phuket, a world-renowned tourist hotspot, lies far from fault lines capable of producing earthquakes powerful enough to cause the kind of devastation being suggested online.
The misinformation rapidly spread on social media platforms, causing some residents in Phuket and neighbouring provinces to fear an imminent natural disaster. Some users even shared fabricated graphics and warnings falsely attributed to government sources, prompting the Anti-Fake News Centre to act swiftly.
Officials urged the public to remain calm and verify the accuracy of information before believing or sharing it.
“Misinformation like this not only causes public panic but also damages the image of our tourism industry.”
The centre also reminded people to rely on official updates from trusted government departments and refrain from sharing unverified content that could lead to unnecessary alarm or disruption, reported The Nation.
This latest hoax is a stark reminder of how quickly fake news can spread and how critical it is for the public to think twice before clicking share.
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