Thailand Gears Up for National Tsunami Response Drill Across Six Andaman Provinces

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of DDPM

 

Thailand is intensifying its preparations for potential tsunami disasters with a large-scale national crisis management exercise, C-MEX 25, set to take place across six Andaman coastal provinces. The initiative, led by the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) under the Ministry of Interior, aims to enhance the country’s readiness to respond effectively to such natural calamities.

 

At a preparatory meeting held in Phuket on 7 February, senior officials, including DDPM Director-General Phasakorn Boonyalak, emphasised the importance of maintaining up-to-date and practical emergency response plans. The drill will involve Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi, Trang, Ranong, and Satun provinces, testing their evacuation strategies and coordination capabilities in the event of a tsunami triggered by an undersea earthquake.

 

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul has placed significant emphasis on disaster preparedness, particularly in tsunami-prone areas. Under his directive, the DDPM is working closely with provincial authorities, local government bodies, and national security agencies to refine evacuation plans, upgrade warning systems, and ensure a swift response to emergencies.

 

Phasakorn highlighted the necessity of continuous plan revisions to reflect geographical and infrastructural changes. “A tsunami can strike without warning. Our plans must be actionable and effective, with clearly defined evacuation routes and safety procedures that local communities can follow,” he stated.

 

The C-MEX 25 drill will integrate various national disaster management strategies, including the 2024–2030 National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Plan and the 2023–2027 National Crisis Management Plan. These frameworks mandate regular simulation exercises to refine Thailand’s disaster response mechanisms.

 

Thailand has invested in modernising its tsunami warning infrastructure, including early detection sensors and public alert systems. The National Disaster Warning Centre has also been updating hazard maps for Andaman coastal areas to ensure more precise risk assessments.

 

A critical component of the exercise will be the evaluation of evacuation procedures. Officials will assess the readiness of designated evacuation centres, emergency signage, and escape routes. “Our goal is to evacuate people from danger zones as quickly and safely as possible while ensuring proper shelter and support services,” Phasakorn added.

 

The meeting in Phuket brought together key stakeholders, including provincial governors, local administrative officials, disaster response experts, and academics from leading Thai universities. Discussions centred on improving coordination between national and local agencies to ensure a seamless disaster response.

 

Professor Dr. Seree Supharatid, Director of the Climate Change and Disaster Centre at Rangsit University, underscored the importance of community engagement. “Educating residents and tourists about tsunami preparedness is crucial. Public awareness can significantly reduce casualties during a real emergency,” he said.

 

The full-scale drill, scheduled for June–July 2025, will include functional exercises and live evacuation simulations. These activities will test Thailand’s ability to issue rapid warnings, deploy emergency responders, and manage large-scale evacuations effectively.

 

Beyond safeguarding lives, the initiative aims to bolster public confidence in Thailand’s disaster readiness, particularly in its tourism-dependent regions. “Preparedness reassures both locals and international visitors. A well-executed response plan minimises economic disruptions and enhances Thailand’s reputation as a safe destination,” Phasakorn concluded.

 

With the threat of tsunamis ever-present, C-MEX 25 represents a crucial step in ensuring that Thailand is not only prepared but also resilient in the face of natural disasters.

 

-- 2025-02-08