DDPM Holds Tsunami Disaster Drill to Boost Emergency Preparedness

Pictures courtesy of DDPM

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), in collaboration with multiple agencies, has concluded a large-scale national tsunami response drill, Crisis Management Exercise 2025 (C-MEX 25), aimed at enhancing the country’s readiness to manage natural disasters and ensure public safety across all sectors.

The event was presided over by Ms. Teerarat Samrejvanich, Deputy Minister of Interior, who is currently acting as Minister of Interior. The closing ceremony was held at Rajaprajanugroh 36 School in Kamala, Kathu District, Phuket and was attended by senior officials from national and provincial governments, the military, Royal Thai Navy, international organisations, foreign diplomatic representatives from eight countries and numerous disaster response agencies.

The simulated tsunami drill focused on six coastal provinces along the Andaman Sea, Phuket, Phang Nga, Ranong, Krabi, Trang and Satun, areas that remain vulnerable to seismic sea waves, as tragically demonstrated in the devastating tsunami of 2004.

Comprehensive Training for Real-World Response

C-MEX 25 included demonstration exercises, functional drills and scenario-based simulations at five key operational stations:

1. Warning and Evacuation

2. Search and Rescue

3. Medical and Public Health

4. Shelter Management

5. Water and Air Rescue Operations

These drills were designed to foster coordinated command and control across the National Command Centre for Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, enhancing inter-agency cooperation from national to local levels.

Ms. Teerarat emphasised the importance of sustained readiness:

“Although Thailand’s tsunami risk may be lower than that of some other countries, preparedness is essential. The government, under Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, remains committed to strengthening disaster readiness at all levels through effective early warning systems, emergency planning, and annual training programmes.”

She stressed that a resilient community begins with awareness and the ability of individuals to respond to emergency warnings:

“Every citizen living in coastal risk zones must know how to respond when a tsunami alert is issued. These drills are not only for officials but are critical for empowering the public with survival knowledge.”

She also called for continuous cooperation between military, police, civilian sectors, private enterprises and civil society to maintain the readiness of equipment, communication systems, evacuation plans and personnel.

Lessons Learned, Standards Raised

Mr. Phasakorn Boonyalak, Director-General of the DDPM, highlighted the goal of the training:

“Our aim is to minimise the loss of life and property from natural disasters. The success of any tsunami response lies in evacuating people to safety before the wave strikes. Up-to-date contingency plans and frequent drills are vital to this goal.”

He acknowledged the dedication shown by all participants during the intensive training process, which tested Thailand’s integrated response capabilities, including real-time scenario management, coordination, and decision-making at all levels.

“This exercise builds public confidence in the government’s disaster response capacity and reinforces Thailand’s commitment to international standards and sustainable development goals,” he added.

The event marked another milestone in Thailand’s ongoing efforts to create a robust, community-integrated and internationally aligned disaster management framework, ensuring both residents and tourists can rely on effective protection in times of crisis.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-06-29