Report Phuket Prepares for Landmark Tsunami Drill: CMEX 25

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Phuket is set to host the largest tsunami disaster drill in years, with the CMEX 25 national crisis response exercise scheduled for June 24-26. The exercise will span six Andaman coastal provinces, with Phuket taking the lead. Designed to enhance preparedness for a worst-case tsunami scenario, the drill will involve government agencies, rescue teams, schools, and local residents.

 

The announcement came during a planning meeting on May 8 at Phuket Provincial Hall, led by Lieutenant Colonel Adul Chuthong, the Deputy Governor of Phuket. He was accompanied by Mr Wichit Sutthaso, Chief of the Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, and representatives from various sectors. The meeting outlined the exercise's meticulously crafted three-day agenda.

 

"Preparedness saves lives," stated Lt. Col. Adul. "This exercise will test our readiness and improve our ability to respond effectively if disaster strikes."

 

Organised by the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), CMEX 25 will feature both live drills and academic seminars to fortify multi-agency coordination in the region. A central objective is to ensure that everyone, from first responders to schoolchildren, is well-versed in tsunami response procedures.

 

Schedule Overview:

 

June 24

The event will kick off with the DDPM director-general overseeing the opening ceremony. The day will include inter-agency seminars and expert discussions on emergency warning systems, held at Rajaprachanukroh School 36 and Kamala Kindergarten School.

 

June 25

Action intensifies as five live drill stations conduct simulations, including:

 

• Tsunami warning and evacuation
• Victim search and rescue
• Emergency medical treatment
• Temporary shelter operations
• Water and air rescue procedures

 

June 26

A "dry run" of emergency operations will culminate in a high-level closing ceremony, officiated by the Deputy Prime Minister or a designated representative.

 

Officials have confirmed task allocations for each participating agency, with a joint site visit and coordination meeting planned for May 14 at Kamala Kindergarten School in Kathu district.

 

CMEX 25 is part of a larger initiative to bolster regional emergency preparedness and remind coastal communities of the ongoing need for vigilance. With the memory of the devastating 2004 tsunami lingering, officials hope to reinforce the crucial message: stay alert, stay safe.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-05-09