TikTok Fortune-Teller Arrested After Earthquake Prediction Sparks National Panic in Myanmar

 

Yangon, Myanmar – In a dramatic collision of superstition, social media, and state power, a young TikToker and self-proclaimed astrologer was arrested in Myanmar earlier this month after a viral video in which he predicted a “nationwide catastrophic earthquake” triggered widespread fear across the country.

The TikTok personality, known online as John Moe The, was detained in a dawn raid by Myanmar’s military authorities in Monywa, a city in the Sagaing Region. The 21-year-old had garnered millions of views and a massive following after confidently warning that a deadly earthquake would strike Myanmar on April 9, 2025—an event that, ultimately, never occurred.

Authorities have charged him under Myanmar’s controversial Electronic Transactions Law for “spreading false information and creating unnecessary public alarm.” If convicted, he could face several years in prison.

The Prophecy That Went Too Far

The now-deleted TikTok video featured Moe The, draped in a white traditional longyi and speaking directly into the camera with calm conviction. “The stars are aligned in a dangerous pattern,” he said. “All cities in Myanmar will be affected by a violent earthquake on April 9. I urge everyone to leave tall buildings and prepare for the worst.”

The video quickly exploded in popularity, racking up over 3.3 million views within 48 hours. As the date approached, reports began to surface from across the country of people evacuating apartment buildings, schools delaying classes, and some families even fleeing cities for rural areas.

“My neighbor packed up his entire family and left Yangon three days early,” said Khin Maung, a resident of a downtown Yangon neighborhood. “Even though we didn’t believe it, the fear was contagious.”

Fear vs. Fact

Myanmar, which lies on the Sunda Megathrust—a seismically active zone—has experienced major earthquakes in the past, including a devastating 6.8 magnitude quake in 2016. That disaster killed three people and damaged numerous ancient temples in Bagan.

However, local seismologists were quick to refute Moe The’s claims. “There is no scientific basis for earthquake prediction on such specific terms,” said Dr. Nandar Hlaing, a geophysicist from the University of Yangon. “No method exists—astrological or scientific—that can accurately predict the exact day or time of an earthquake. What we saw here was pure misinformation.”

Despite the scientific consensus, the damage had been done. Superstition remains deeply ingrained in Myanmar society, where astrology and traditional spiritual beliefs often hold greater sway than science. Many locals consult fortune tellers regularly, and even government officials have been rumored to seek astrological advice before making major decisions.

The Crackdown

Following the public frenzy, the military-led government moved swiftly. On April 10, videos circulated on Telegram and Facebook showing police escorting Moe The from his home in handcuffs. He was reportedly found with several mobile devices and handwritten charts resembling horoscopes.

In an official statement, the Ministry of Home Affairs said Moe The had “used a popular social media platform to knowingly circulate false information which disrupted social order and endangered public peace.”

The arrest has sparked a national debate over the limits of free expression, the role of social media, and the responsibilities of influencers in a fragile society still recovering from years of political unrest.

Social Media or Social Threat?

While some have supported the government's decision to crack down on fearmongering, others worry it reflects a broader pattern of suppressing speech in the digital age.

“Arresting someone for making a prediction—no matter how ridiculous—sets a dangerous precedent,” said Zin Mar Aung, a digital rights activist based in Mandalay. “This wasn’t a terrorist threat. It was misinformation, yes, but it could have been corrected through public awareness campaigns, not prison.”

Others argue that Moe The’s prediction, however well-intentioned, crossed a line. “He wasn’t just giving a horoscope reading,” said U Tun Wai, a school principal in Naypyidaw. “He gave a specific date and incited real panic. That’s not innocent entertainment anymore.”

This is not the first time a social media personality has faced serious consequences in Myanmar. Since the military coup in 2021, dozens of artists, bloggers, and digital creators have been arrested for content deemed to undermine national stability or disrespect the state.

TikTok as a Double-Edged Sword

TikTok, known for its entertainment content, has taken on a surprisingly serious role in Myanmar’s volatile environment. The platform has become both a space for creative expression and a battlefield for political messaging, superstition, and misinformation.

Moe The’s case highlights how deeply influential digital figures can become, particularly in societies where access to formal education and critical media literacy remain limited.

“It’s a reminder that platforms like TikTok aren’t just silly dance apps anymore,” said tech analyst Ko Pyae Sone. “They are powerful tools—and dangerous when misused.”

What’s Next for Moe The?

As of this writing, Moe The remains in custody awaiting formal trial. Supporters have started online petitions calling for his release, while others continue to debate whether his actions were prophetic folly or criminal irresponsibility.

Meanwhile, Myanmar authorities have issued new guidelines warning social media users against “publishing unsanctioned predictions or alarming content without credible sources.”

For millions of followers who once tuned in to hear Moe The’s weekly astrological forecasts, his sudden disappearance has left a void—and a chilling reminder of the risks of viral influence in an uncertain world.