NSC denies 72-hour warning as the world stocks up for emergencies

The National Security Council (NSC) has dismissed as false a viral warning claiming that it has advised Thai nationals to stock up on essential supplies, including food, drinking water, medicines and other necessities, sufficient to last 72 hours.

The NSC said, however, that it is closely monitoring the crisis in the Middle East and coordinating with relevant authorities to prepare contingency plans in case of an emergency.

It urged the media and the public not to believe or spread unverified information and to follow news and announcements through official channels.

The denial comes as countries around the world, particularly in Europe, are encouraging households to keep emergency supplies at home in case crises disrupt daily life.

Recommended preparation periods range from 72 hours to 10 days or longer, depending on the country. The guidance is intended to strengthen public resilience against natural disasters, power outages, cyberattacks and potential security threats.

In Europe, Germany recommends that households prepare supplies for up to 10 days, while Sweden, Norway and Estonia are advising people to maintain enough supplies to manage for at least a week.

France, Finland, Denmark, the Netherlands, Poland, Latvia and Lithuania recommend preparing for approximately three days, while the United Kingdom advises households to be ready to manage without normal services for “several” days.

Similar advice is found in Asia, where governments encourage households to prepare for earthquakes, typhoons, floods and other disasters, as well as potential security emergencies.

Japan advises households to keep at least three days of emergency supplies, preferably enough for a week, because major earthquakes, tsunamis and typhoons can disrupt transport, electricity, water supplies and distribution networks.

Taiwan recommends preparing essential supplies for seven days to help households cope with natural disasters and potential military emergencies.

Singapore, the Philippines and Indonesia are also promoting household emergency preparedness, with guidance on preparing essential supplies and emergency bags.

Singapore places particular emphasis on household resilience and continuity of essential services. Residents are encouraged to keep basic necessities available and prepare for disruptions that could affect access to food, electricity, communications and other services.

Although the risks differ, the underlying objective is similar: to ensure households can manage during the initial period of an emergency, when shops may be closed, transport disrupted or assistance delayed.