Authorities in Myanmar have arrested a popular TikTok astrologer, John Moe The, after his viral prediction of another devastating earthquake caused public panic across the country.
The astrologer, who had over 300,000 followers, posted a video on April 9 warning that a powerful quake would strike “every city in Myanmar” on April 21. The post came just two weeks after a deadly 7.7 magnitude earthquake on March 28 killed around 3,500 people and damaged historic temples.
Myanmar’s Ministry of Information said John Moe The was detained for spreading false information “with the intention of causing public panic.” His video, viewed more than 3 million times, urged people to flee buildings and avoid tall structures on the predicted date. Authorities said the video led many residents—especially in quake-hit areas like Mandalay and Sagaing—to sleep outside or abandon their homes in fear.
Experts quickly debunked the astrologer’s claims, emphasizing that earthquakes cannot be predicted with current scientific methods. Despite this, public belief in astrology and palmistry remains strong in Myanmar, contributing to the video’s rapid spread.
John Moe The was arrested during a raid on his home in Sagaing, and his TikTok account has since been deactivated. The case highlights growing concerns over misinformation on social media platforms in the wake of national disasters.
The March 28 earthquake also triggered a rare plea for international aid from Myanmar’s military junta, as damage extended across the region and tremors were felt as far as Bangkok.