NATIONAL DISASTER WARNING CENTER TO BE ESTABLISHED

The Director of the National Disaster Warning Center PLODPRASOB SURASSAWADEE (ปลอดประสพ สุรัสวดี) has insisted that the possibility of a violent earthquake occurring in Thailand is only one in a million. He has advised people not to panic over the recent South Asian quake. However, Mr. PLODPRASOB has suggested that Thailand should conduct evacuation drills in risky areas along the Thai-Myanmese border as well as establish disaster prevention centers. Kanchanaburi Province is one good example to practice such drills.

The director has requested people who possess no expertise on earthquake matters, to cease giving their opinions or comments to the media as rumours may lead to fear amongst residents in general. However, he admitted that the aftermath of last year's Tsunami and the Pakistani quake may trigger more frequent but less violent quakes.

Mr PLODPRASOB indicated that he will discuss with the Office of the Civil Service Commission to establish a committee to watch over possible earthquakes. The committee may be set up ealry next year.

Source: thaisnews.com ประจำวันอังคารที่ 11 ตุลาคม 2548

The director has requested people who possess no expertise on earthquake matters, to cease giving their opinions or comments to the media as rumours may lead to fear amongst residents in general.

Maybe they have expertise in "maw doo" fotune telling.

the possibility of a violent earthquake occurring in Thailand is only one in a million.

One in a million what?

I'd like to hear what the remit is, most disaster responses I've seen in Thailand amount to nothing more than limiting the bad news.