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Recent seismic activities in the Andaman Sea have raised concerns about a potential volcanic eruption in the area. According to Professor Thorn Thamrongnawasawat from Kasetsart University in Thailand, if a volcanic eruption were to occur, it could pose serious threats to surrounding regions.

Professor Thorn emphasized that due to the water depth in the area exceeding 2000 meters, a volcanic eruption could rapidly displace a large volume of water, potentially leading to a tsunami and severe disasters. He pointed out that recent earthquakes in Myanmar are unlikely to trigger a tsunami since the epicenter is located inland; however, Thailand could still be directly affected.

Thorn Thamrongnawasawat stated that the probability of a tsunami occurring in the Gulf of Thailand is extremely low. Even if it were to occur, the scale would likely be very small. The distance from major earthquake and volcanic belts, such as those in Indonesia and the Philippines, allows for early detection of tsunamis in most cases.

He further explained that the two potential tsunami-generating regions are Indonesia and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in India. The only active volcano in this area is Barren Island; however, seismic activity is not originating from this island but rather from deeper underwater areas within the same volcanic belt.

Barren Island is the only volcano within this belt known to have erupted above sea level, with the most recent eruption occurring in 2022. He pointed out that while undersea volcanoes along the same belt could erupt, no one can accurately predict when they might do so. The recent occurrences of earthquakes measuring above magnitude 4 in this area could indicate magma movement; however, this does not guarantee an imminent eruption.

According to data from the Thai seismic observation authority, the recent earthquake activity has been concentrated approximately 470 to 480 kilometers from the coast of Phang Nga province. If a volcanic eruption occurs in that area, deep seawater and large discharge volumes would likely trigger a tsunami. This area is also closer to the Thailand coast than the epicenter of the 2004 earthquake and tsunami, meaning that tsunami waves could reach the shore faster, potentially two hours sooner than in 2004.

Despite these risks, Thorn Thamrongnawasawat urged the public not to panic: “No one can predict with absolute certainty whether a disaster will occur. In Japan, some warnings remain in place for months without a significant event.”

To prepare for potential tsunamis, Thorn Thamrongnawasawat advises families to make emergency plans, familiarize themselves with nearby evacuation routes, and practice response drills. Drawing from past tsunami experiences, he warns that even three-story buildings might not be safe, recommending that individuals seek refuge in buildings taller than seven or eight stories. If no high-rise buildings are available, they should follow designated evacuation routes to safety.