Community Poh Teck Tung Foundation Partners with DDPM to Train USAR Teams

[Georgealbert]

 

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod.

 

The Poh Teck Tung Foundation has joined forces with the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) to conduct a specialised training course on Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) for its disaster relief teams. The training aims to enhance the skills and capabilities of volunteers to meet international standards in disaster response, helping communities more effectively.

 

The course ran from 23 June to 2 July 2025 at the Civil Defence Volunteer Training Centre in Chai Nat Province. Mr. Surapong Techharuvijit, committee member and deputy secretary-general of the Poh Teck Tung Foundation, together with Mr. Surapong Sertpakdee, committee member and deputy treasurer, presided over the certificate presentation ceremony for participants who successfully completed the programme.

 

The USAR course was organised jointly by the Poh Teck Tung Foundation and the DDPM, under the Ministry of Interior. It provided intensive training to improve knowledge and practical skills related to urban search and rescue operations, based on global standards. Participants reviewed methods of structural inspection, assessment of cracks, building damage evaluation, and initial emergency access and repairs.

 

Practical sessions included techniques to reduce the risk of structural collapse, use of search markings and operational procedures involving search and rescue dogs (K9 units). Experts including Mr. Kriksak San Wasa Siri, Director of the Special Operations Search and Rescue Division at DDPM and Associate Professor Dr. Thanet Weerasiri, President of the Engineering Council, along with other specialists, served as instructors throughout the course.

 

Also present were Mr. Aran Totuad, General Manager of Poh Teck Tung Foundation, Ms. Natkan Khamkhom, Human Resources and Training Manager and Ms. Pimnapat Sunthornthitiwong, Corporate Communications Manager, who observed the training.

 

Recognising the vital importance of developing disaster relief personnel to international standards, the Poh Teck Tung Foundation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the DDPM. This collaboration focuses on integrating academic knowledge and operational experience to strengthen the capabilities of staff and volunteers, ensuring efficient and effective emergency response management.

 

The foundation first introduced the USAR training programme in 2023 and has since applied this expertise successfully in assisting victims, notably during the earthquake in March 2025.

 

For over 115 years, the Poh Teck Tung Foundation has expanded its scope beyond providing relief to the disadvantaged, regardless of race or religion, to also focus on staff development and comprehensive public welfare projects. Guided by the motto, “Poh Teck Tung Foundation: Saving Lives, Healing Lives, Building Lives,” the organisation continues to serve communities nationwide.

 

For more information and updates on Poh Teck Tung’s relief activities, please visit www.pohtecktung.org or their official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/atpohtecktung.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-07-03