Phuket: Thirat Rattanawanich, Deputy Minister of Interior, acting as the Minister of Interior, concluded the National Disaster Management Exercise 2025, known as C-MEX 25, in Phuket. This exercise focused on tsunami management in six Andaman coastal provinces.
According to Thai News Agency, the event was attended by notable figures including Mr. Phasakorn Boonyalak, Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Mr. Sopon Suwannarat, Governor of Phuket Province, and Lt. Gen. Anusorn Ourai, Commander of the 4th Army Area. Representatives from Krabi, Phang Nga, Ranong, Trang, and Satun provinces, along with other relevant government agencies and representatives from foreign embassies and consulates, also participated. The exercise involved more than 1,000 participants, including members of the House of Representatives, executives of local administrative organizations, and network partners.
Ms. Thirat highlighted the importance of such exercises, especially in areas that experienced a tsunami 20 years ago. Under the guidance of Prime Minister Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, the government aims to increase awareness of natural disasters and ensure readiness across various sectors. The exercise served as a crucial platform to assure the public of the government's preparedness and alignment with international standards.
The training emphasized four key instructions for effective disaster prevention. These included using lessons learned to develop disaster prevention plans, regularly testing the readiness of equipment and personnel, integrating training efforts with various sectors, and ensuring swift assistance to the public through a collaborative network of agencies.
Ms. Thirat expressed gratitude to all participants for their commitment to the training. She emphasized that the Ministry of Interior, along with other sectors, worked diligently to ensure that personnel could efficiently manage any incidents. The participation of embassy representatives further helped in assuring foreign tourists of Thailand's preparedness.
Mr. Phasakorn elaborated on the comprehensive nature of the training, which covered everything from warnings and evacuations to rescue and shelter management. The exercise aimed at testing the emergency response plans of the six Andaman coastal provinces and improving the coordination between various disaster management agencies.
The exercise simulated a tsunami scenario, prompting immediate action from provincial and local command centers. The training areas in the six provinces featured warning towers and involved the transmission of warning signals. Demonstrations included land rescue, shelter management, and search and rescue operations, supported by various governmental and non-governmental entities.
Overall, this exercise was a significant step towards enhancing Thailand's disaster management capabilities and ensuring the safety and preparedness of its citizens and visitors.