BANGKOK, THAILAND – A major X5.1-class solar flare on November 11, 2025, triggered one of the most powerful geomagnetic storms in years, with Thailand’s GISTDA confirming a G4-level event threatening satellites and power systems worldwide.
Powerful solar flare confirmed
According to the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), the eruption on November 11 unleashed a coronal mass ejection (CME) directly toward Earth. The JASPER space weather system, operating under the same agency, measured the geomagnetic storm at G4 severity, heavier than initial forecasts.
“The solar storm reached us between November 11 and 12,”
said GISTDA, official statement.
Charged particles have been striking the Earth’s magnetic shield continuously since the explosion, causing both visible auroral displays and potential interference across several technological systems.
Disruptions across global systems
GISTDA scientists stated that HF radio links, satellite navigation, and orbital control systems remain vulnerable under such conditions.
“HF radio communications can be disrupted,”
said GISTDA, official warning.
The agency added that induced currents from geomagnetic fluctuations could impact oil and gas pipelines, along with electric grids across northern latitudes. Meanwhile, auroras could become visible up to the 45th parallel, marking one of the lowest latitudes for such displays in recent years.
Thailand remains shielded
Officials at GISTDA’s Bangkok center confirmed that Thailand’s geographical position, at lower latitudes, provides natural magnetic protection.
“Thailand remains safe from direct impacts,”
said GISTDA, statement to national media.
Even so, engineers and system operators in satellite communication, aviation, and energy sectors were advised to keep monitoring the situation closely.
Understanding the storm categories
The NOAA G-scale classifies geomagnetic disturbances from G1 (minor) to G5 (extreme). A G4 storm, like the one measured, has the potential to disrupt large-scale infrastructure and navigation accuracy.
“Satellite communication can be significantly disturbed,”
said Unnamed expert, technical assessment cited by GISTDA.
Accuracy reductions in GNSS systems may affect global positioning for both civilian and defense users. Comparatively, a G5 storm, such as the Carrington Event of 1859, could cause widespread technological blackouts.
Global infrastructure on alert
Telecommunication firms, power suppliers, and aerospace agencies across Europe, North America, and Asia were placed on heightened alert as the storm intensified.
“We are monitoring the evolution minute by minute,”
said GISTDA, emergency operations division.
While conditions for Thailand were declared stable as of November 12, the event underscored the persistent vulnerabilities of modern systems to fluctuations in solar activity.
Key points summarised by GISTDA:
– Storm type: G4 geomagnetic event
– Flare source: X5.1-class eruption on November 11, 2025
– Detected by: JASPER Space Weather System
– Global risks: HF communication loss, power grid damage, satellite orbit deviation
– Regional outlook: Thailand secure due to low latitude but continuous observation recommended
As power utilities and space agencies maintain close coordination, experts warned that similar high-intensity solar disturbances could increase in frequency with the current solar cycle’s peak, reinforcing the need for robust technological readiness worldwide.