In a striking incident in Myanmar that has garnered international attention, an astrologer known as John Moe The was arrested after he created a panic-inducing prediction about an impending earthquake in a viral TikTok video. This surprising turn of events unfolded against a backdrop of tragedy, following a devastating magnitude 7.7 earthquake that occurred just two weeks prior, resulting in over 3,500 fatalities and widespread destruction of historic temples throughout the Southeast Asian nation.
The arrest took place on April 25, 2025, under the directive of Myanmar’s Ministry of Information, which accused Moe The of making “false statements with the intention of causing public panic.” This allegation is particularly significant in a country still grappling with the aftermath of the recent earthquake. On April 9—just days after this disaster—Moe The had posted a video to TikTok claiming that a catastrophic earthquake would “hit every city in Myanmar” on April 21.
As the events unfolded, experts and authorities pointed out that predicting earthquakes with such specificity is beyond current scientific capabilities. The intricate factors contributing to seismic activities render precise predictions nearly impossible, yet the sheer reach of social media continues to amplify misinformation and unfounded anxiety. Moe The, leveraging his platform which boasted over 300,000 followers, encouraged viewers to be prepared for the quake, stating, “take important things with you and run away from buildings during the shaking.” His video amassed over three million views, highlighting the alarming influence such predictions can have in a society already on edge.
His prediction instigated significant behavioral changes in some residents, particularly in Yangon, where fear took hold. Reports indicated that neighborhoods saw individuals refusing to remain in their homes as they opted instead to camp outdoors, driven by the belief in the prediction shared by Moe The. This reaction underscores the power of public figures, especially those wielding platforms like TikTok, to incite fear and influence public sentiment, sometimes without any basis in fact.
The 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28 had affected the regions of Mandalay and Sagaing particularly hard, leading to rare calls for aid from the local governmental authorities. During that disaster, the repercussions extended across borders, with the tremors being felt as far away as Bangkok, Thailand, where a construction site incident resulted in dozens of fatalities. In comparison to this harrowing context, Moe The’s recent prediction has only further thrust the spotlight on the need for responsible communication, especially in times of crisis.
Moreover, Moe The was apprehended during a search conducted at his residence in Sagaing, amid a growing concern regarding the explosion of misinformation fueled by the increasing popularity of social media platforms among the younger demographic. His TikTok account, claiming to offer insights grounded in astrology and palmistry, may have contributed to the propagation of fear during an already critical period marked by loss and uncertainty.
The arrest of John Moe The brings to light the delicate balance between freedom of expression and the potential repercussions of disseminating alarming misinformation. It raises important questions about accountability in the age of digital communication and serves as a reminder that while personal belief and spiritual perspectives can shape narratives, public safety must always be a priority, especially in nations recovering from the devastation wrought by natural disasters. The intersection of astrology, social media, and national crises provides significant implications for how individuals and communities ethically engage with predictive practices, especially during times of profound vulnerability.