Facebook triggers Bangkok bomb scare with ‘safety check’

Small ‘explosion’ in Thai capital sets off erroneous alert

BANGKOK // Facebook sparked fear and anger among Thailand’s social media users after its safety check feature triggered a false bomb alert in Bangkok.

The feature allows users to signal to friends that they are safe after an event such as a terrorist attack or natural disaster in their area.

But it appeared to misfire late on Tuesday, creating an alert called “the explosion in Bangkok” that said a blast in the capital had been confirmed by “multiple sources”.

The page gave no detail about the incident but linked to articles about a bombing in Bangkok in August last year that killed 20 people. After numerous residents identified themselves as safe on Facebook, the alert was deactivated about an hour later at 10pm, leaving Thais relieved but also frustrated over the false alarm.

“Facebook issued false news that has destroyed Thailand’s image,” wrote user Prasit Silhanisong.

“It’s close to the new year and now tourists might not come,” he said, calling on the social media company to apologise.

Facebook swiftly defended the algorithm, saying the alert was activated by reports of small explosives that a protester had thrown near Government House on Tuesday.

The incident, which caused no injuries or damage, was covered in the Thai press.

“Safety Check was activated yesterday in Thailand following an explosion,” said a Facebook spokesman, adding that a “trusted third party” had confirmed the incident.

It is not the first time the safety check-in feature has caused controversy.

In March, the company apologised after a bug sent a safety check notification to users around the world after a deadly suicide bombing in Pakistan. The social network also faced criticism in November last year for selectively activating the feature after attacks in Paris but not in Beirut.