TikTok Astrologer Detained for Inducing Fear with Earthquake Prophecies in Myanmar

Authorities in Myanmar have taken into custody a TikTok astrologer, accused of inciting public fear by forecasting an imminent strong earthquake. This development was reported by state media on Thursday.

John Moe The, who has amassed over 300,000 followers on TikTok, warned on April 9 that a massive earthquake would strike every city in Myanmar within 12 days.

His viral video, with 3.3 million views, contained captions advising people to avoid high-rise buildings during daylight hours.

"When the ground shakes, grab your essentials and flee from structures," he urged in his message.

A previous seismic event in Myanmar's central region resulted in over 3,700 fatalities and left around 60,000 individuals residing in temporary camps, the United Nations reported. Ongoing aftershocks continue to deter many from returning to their homes.

At just 21, John Moe The was apprehended in a dawn raid at his home in Monywa, a central city, on Tuesday morning as detailed by Myanmar's military leadership in a statement disseminated through state media.

"We received information about misinformation being circulated through a TikTok account predicting a severe earthquake," the announcement said.

"We will apply legal measures against him and similarly against anyone propagating or sharing false news."

In Myanmar's commercial city, Yangon, a resident named Nan Nan expressed disbelief over the social media claim, however, admitted that it had influenced her neighbors.

"Most neighbors preferred the streets on that day, eschewing apartment safety," remarked the 35-year-old. "One friend even secured temporary lodging outside Yangon in anticipation."

John Moe The operates a TikTok account titled "John (Palmistry)," regularly issuing text-based predictions with cosmic visuals. His claims have ranged from meteorological calamities to political prognostications, including the anticipated release of the ousted civil leader and hypothetical American military actions within Myanmar.

While early warning systems for earthquakes exist—detecting seismic jolts and quickly transmitting warnings—forecasting such events beforehand remains beyond scientific reach, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

"Neither the USGS nor other scientists have ever predicted a major earthquake," their website attests. "We do not know how, and we anticipate this capability will not be achieved anytime soon."

With the country's critical infrastructure heavily compromised, providing aid and support in Myanmar remains a formidable challenge, especially where earlier conflicts had already ravaged the region prior to the recent 7.7 magnitude tremor.

The earthquake's effects extended to Thailand's capital, Bangkok, where, despite minimal destruction, one tall building did succumb to extensive damage. Thai authorities are investigating this isolated incident to determine if it resulted from subpar construction materials, design errors, or faulty inspections.