THAILAND
COUNTRY REPORT2019

ASIAN DISASTERREDUCTION CENTER
VISITING RESEARCHERPROGRAM FY2019B
Ms. Suthathip Dejchaisri
Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation,
Ministry of Interior, Thailand.,Disclaimer
This report was compiled by an ADRC visiting researcher (VR) from ADRC
member countries. The views expressed in the report do not necessarily reflect theviews of the ADRC. The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on
the maps in the report also do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the
ADRC.

Contents
1. General Information .............................................................................................. 3
1.1 Geographical data ........................................................................................... 3
1.2 Climate information.......................................................................................... 3
1.3 Demographic data ........................................................................................... 3
1.4 Administrative divisions ................................................................................... 4
1.5 Transportation in Thailand ............................................................................... 5
1.6 Economic ........................................................................................................ 6
2. Disaster in Thailand .............................................................................................. 7
2.1 Disaster Statistical Data................................................................................... 7
2.2 Disaster Risk Areas ....................................................................................... 14
2.3 Disaster Seasoning Calendar in Thailand ...................................................... 18
2.4 Recent Major Disasters ................................................................................. 19
3. Thailand Disaster Management System ............................................................ 223
3.1 Disaster Risk Management Mechanisms ..................................................... 223
3.2 Emergency and Incident Management .......................................................... 30
3.3 Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation ....................................... 345
3.4 National Disaster Warning Center ............................................................... 367
3.5 Early Warning Systems ............................................................................... 378
4. Legal Framework and National Disaster risk Management Plan ....................... 401
4.1 Legal Framework ......................................................................................... 401
4.2 National Disaster risk Management Plan (2015) .......................................... 412
5. International Cooperation .................................................................................. 467
5.1 Partnerships with International bodies/agencies .......................................... 467
5.2 International Frameworks and Guidelines .................................................... 467
6. Recent Projects on Disaster Risk Reduction ..................................................... 478
6.1 Flood Prevention Project ............................................................................. 478
6.2 One-Tambon-One-Search and Rescue Team (OTOS) ................................ 478
6.3 Disaster Management Training .................................................................... 478
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6.4 Community-Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM) Program ............. 478
6.5 “Mr. Warning” Training Program .................................................................. 489
6.6 Emergency Response Team Development Project (ERT) ........................... 489
6.7 Development of Civil Defence Volunteer Network Program ......................... 489
7. Counterpart of ADRC .......................................................................................... 50
8. References ....................................................................................................... 501

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Thailand
1. General Information
1.1 Geographical data
The kingdom of Thailand lies in theheart of Southeast Asia, has a land area of
513,120 sq.km. It is bordered by Myanmar(West & North), Laos (North & East),
Cambodia(Southeast),

and

Malaysia(South).The Thai coastline stretches for 3,219
km along both the Gulf of Thailand on the
Pacific side, and the Andaman Sea on the
Indian Ocean side. The highest point inThailand is Doi Inthanon, at 2,565 meters(8,415 feet). The lowest point is the Gulf ofThailand, at sea level.
Thailand is divided into four regions; the North, the Central or the Chao Phraya River
Basin, the Northeast or the Korat Plateau and the south or the Southern Peninsula. The
northern region terrain is mountainous which render this region to be prone to water-related
disasters such as flashflood, landslide and debris flow. The northeastern region is an arid
area on Korat Plateau and frequently suffers flashflood and inundation during rainy season,
severe drought and cold spell during summer and cool season. The central region, the vast
fertile land which is dubbed as the "Rice Bowl" of the country often encounters the repeatedriverine flood and urban inundation during the rainy season. The southern region terrain ishilly on the west coast and the coastal plain on the east. This part of Thailand has occasionallyfrequented flashflood, mudslide, tropical storm and forest fire.

1.2 Climate information
Thailand enjoys a tropical climate with three seasons: hot (March-May), rainy withplenty of sunshine (June-September) and cool (October-February). Temperature during thetime of the Congress is approximately 28°C (80°F) (CHARIYAPHAN, 2012)

1.3 Demographic data
Population Total 66,188,503 (in 2017), about 32.4 million males and 33.7 females.
(Department Of Provincial Administration, 2018)
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People 75% Thais, 11% Chinese, 3.5% Malays, and others are Mons, Khmers,

Burmese, Laotians, Indians and a variety of hill tribes.
Language Thai is the national language. English is widely understood in Bangkok and big
cities.
Religions: Buddhist (official) 93.6%, Muslim 4.9%, Christian 1.2%, other 0.2%, none 0.1%
(2010 est.) (Central Intelligence Agency, 2017)

1.4 Administrative divisions
Thailand is a constitutional monarchy under the beloved king, King PHUMIPHON

Adunyadet passed away in October 2016 after 70 years on the throne; his only son,
WACHIRALONGKON Bodinthrathepphayawarangkun, ascended the throne in December
2016. Thailand's current Prime Minister is Gen. PRAYUT Chan-ocha, was appointed prime
minister in August 2014.
The country comprises 76 provinces (changwat, singular and plural) and 1 municipality*(maha nakhon); Amnat Charoen, Ang Thong, Bueng Kan, Buriram, Chachoengsao, Chai Nat,
Chaiyaphum, Chanthaburi, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Chon Buri, Chumphon, Kalasin, Kamphaeng
Phet, Kanchanaburi, Khon Kaen, Krabi, Krung Thep* (Bangkok), Lampang, Lamphun, Loei, Lop
Buri, Mae Hong Son, Maha Sarakham, Mukdahan, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Pathom, Nakhon
Phanom, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Sawan, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Nan, Narathiwat, Nong
Bua Lamphu, Nong Khai, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Pattani, Phangnga, Phatthalung, Phayao,
Phetchabun, Phetchaburi, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Phrae, Phuket,
Prachin Buri, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ranong, Ratchaburi, Rayong, Roi Et, Sa Kaeo, Sakon Nakhon,
Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram, Sara Buri, Satun, Sing Buri, Sisaket, Songkhla,
Sukhothai, Suphan Buri, Surat Thani, Surin, Tak, Trang, Trat, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani,
Uthai Thani, Uttaradit, Yala, Yasothon.
The provinces are divided into 878 districts (amphoe), 7,255 rural administrative
subdistricts (tambon), 74,965 villages (mooban).
Types of government administrations are the central, provincial and local.
Local government is based on the principles of decentralization and self-government whencertain legal conditions are met. Under the 1997constitution, elected local assemblies and elected
or appointed local administrative committees were allowed four-year terms. Central government
officials could not serve as local officials. Bangkok is a provincial-level entity with an elected
governor and the legislative Metropolitan Administration Council. Supervision of provincial andlocal government takes place through the Department of Local Administration of the Ministry ofInterior.

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1.5 Transportation in Thailand
Thailand has five types of transport by Rail transport, Road transport, Air transport,
Water transport and Pipe transport. (Wikimedia Foundation, Inc.,, 2017)
Rail transport
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) operates all of Thailand's national raillines. Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lamphong Station) is the main terminus of allroutes. Phahonyothin and ICD Lat Krabang are the main freight terminals.
As of 2014 SRT had 4,043 km (2,512 mi) of track, except the Airport Link, allof it meter gauge. Nearly all is single-track (3,685 km), although some importantsections around Bangkok are double (251 km or 156 mi) or triple-tracked (107 km or
66 mi) and there are plans to extend this.
Road transport
Thailand has 390,000 km (242,335 miles) of highways. According to the BBC
Thailand has 462,133 roads and many multi-lane highways. As of 2017 Thailand
has 37 million registered vehicles, 20 million of them motorbikes, and millions morethat are unregistered.
Air transport
As of 202, Thailand had 103 airports with 63 paved runways, in addition to 6
heliports. The busiest airport in the county is Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Major international airports

Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) (New Bangkok International Airport, a majorinternational hub)

Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) (Old Bangkok International, now
used mostly by low-cost carriers)

Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX)

Mae Fah Luang International Airport (CEI)

Hat Yai International Airport (HDY)

Phuket International Airport (HKT)Krabi International Airport (KBV)Samui International Airport (USM)Surat Thani International Airport (URT)

Udon Thani International Airport (UTH)

U-Tapao International Airport (UTP)

Water transport
River and canal transport
In Bangkok, the Chao Phraya River is a major transportation artery, with ferries,
water taxis (the Chao Phraya Express Boat) and long-tailed boats. There are local,
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semi-express, and express lines for commuters, though the winding river means
trips can be much farther than by bus. There is also the Khlong Saen Saeb boat
service, which provides fast, inexpensive transport in central Bangkok
Merchant marine fleet
As of 2010 Thailand's merchant marine fleet consisted of 363 ships (1,000
GRT or over) totaling 1,834,809 GRT/2,949,558 tonnes deadweight (DWT). By typethis includes 31 bulk carrier, 99 cargo ships, 28 chemical tankers, 18 container ships,
36 liquified gas vessels, 1 passenger ship, 10 passenger/cargo ships, 114 petroleum
tankers, 24 refrigerated cargo ships, 1 roll-on/roll-off, 1 other passenger vessel.

1.6 Economic
With a well-developed infrastructure, a free-enterprise economy, and generally proinvestment policies, Thailand historically has had a strong economy, but it experienced slow
growth in 2013-15 as a result of domestic political turmoil and sluggish global demand, whichcurbed Thailand’s traditionally strong exports - mostly electronics, agricultural commodities,
automobiles and parts, and processed foods. Following the May 2014 coup d'etat, tourism
decreased 6-7% but is beginning to recover. The Thai baht depreciated more than 8% during
2015. (Central Intelligence Agency, 2017)
Thailand faces labor shortages, and has attracted an estimated 2-4 million migrant
workers from neighboring countries. The Thai Government in 2013 implemented a nationwide
300 baht (roughly $10) per day minimum wage policy and deployed new tax reforms designed
to lower rates on middle-income earners. The household debt to GDP ratio is over 80%.
Agriculture - products: rice, cassava (manioc, tapioca), rubber, corn, sugarcane,coconuts, palm oil, pineapple, livestock, fish products
Industries: tourism, textiles and garments, agricultural processing, beverages,
tobacco, cement, light manufacturing such as jewelry and electric appliances, computers andparts, integrated circuits, furniture, plastics, automobiles and automotive parts, agricultural
GDP (purchasing power parity): $1.229 trillion (2017 est.) $1.161 trillion (2016 est.)$1.125 trillion (2015 est.)

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2. Disaster in Thailand
2.1 Disaster Statistical Data
Due to its geographical location, Thailand has been highly exposed and vulnerable to natural
disasters caused by hydrometeorological hazards such as floods, landslides, storms, droughts,
etc. The major disasters that had occurred and claimed hundreds of lives as well as causing
significant material loss in Thailand during the six – years period are delineated as follow. (DDPM,
2015)(1) Flood
In general, floods are most often caused by torrential downpours or accumulated precipitation
over the long period. These rain events will eventually trigger flash flood or sudden flooding, andoverbank flow and inundation. Floods have been the most frequented natural disaster in Thailand
and have imposed tremendous hardships for households, claimed hundreds of lives and caused
heavy damage to public and private property. The main causes of floods in Thailand are theinfluence of the following weather phenomena; southwest monsoon which prevails over the
Andaman Sea and Thailand’s land mass during May till September, northeastern monsoon whichprevails over the Gulf of Thailand and southern region ; monsoon through and the elongatedregion of relatively low atmospheric pressure pass across northern, northeastern and central
regions as well as tropical cyclone (tropical storm, tropical depression and typhoon). And in the
recent years, the floods have been exacerbated and more severe and devastating as well as
inflicting heavier tolls of losses as shown in Fig. 2.1 The great flood of 2011 was Thailand’s mostcatastrophic flood, 64 out of its 77 provinces including Bangkok, a total of 5,247,125 households
or 16,224,304 people were affected ; the death toll reached to 1,026 people and total economic
damages and losses stood at 1.44 billion Baht (US$ 45.7 billion approximately).

Fig. 2.1 Statistical Data on Impacts of floods during 2009 – 2013
(2) Drought

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The phenomenon of drought occurs as the consequence of the sharp decrease in the amountof rainwater, water stored in reservoirs or other natural water sources, or in the underground waterlevel over the period of time, to the extent that it has resulted in the lack of sufficient water supply
to meet the demands of humans and animals and for vegetation. This subsequent drought
induced shortages of water for domestic consumption and for industrial and agricultural purposes
in any area for an extended of time can have significant and widespread impacts on people andcommunities as well as causing extensive damage to overall economy of the country. In addition,
the global phenomenon such as climate change or the long – term change of weather over theperiod of time has shorten the rainy season or in other words it has prolonged the dry season,
thus most of the upper parts of Thailand have received consistently below average precipitation,and further has caused the abrupt and unusual decrease in storage within Thailand’s major
reservoirs. This phenomenon has subsequently brought about the lack of sufficient available
water resources to meet the demands of water usage for domestic and agricultural purposesparticularly in the unirrigated areas. Moreover, the simultaneous and rapid pace of modernization,
urbanization, and industrialization will inevitably be resulted in an increasing demand for waterand decreased supply.

Fig. 2.2 Drought Damages Statistics during 2009 – 2013
(3) Landslides
Generally, a landslide occurs simultaneously with or following the flash floods createdby the continuous heavy downpours which have saturated and destabilized the land mass insuch areas. Eventually, the aforesaid land mass and rocks move down a slope under the
influence of gravity. At present Thailand has experienced an increasing occurrence andintensity of landslides due to diversified preconditions and contributing factors particularly theThailand country report | VR2019B ADRC

8anthropogenic activities including deforestation, cultivation of cash crops in a sloping area,
destruction of a land’s surface, etc.

Fig. 2.3 Landslide Statistics during 2009 – 2013
(4) Earthquakes and Tsunami
Earthquakes are common natural disasters that can cause widespread andcatastrophic destruction, mass casualty, and many social and economic disruptions. The
primary effect of earthquake is the violent ground motion over the period of time, triggered by
the sudden movement of the plates where the earth’s crust lies on, particularly at a locationof plate boundaries or the fault zones. Recently, Thailand has more often experienced
earthquakes triggered by the active faults either in the country or in the neighboring countries,
particularly the northern and western regions which sit directly above an active tectonic faults.
The very recent examples included, inter alia, an occurrence of a magnitude 6.3 earthquake
in Chiangrai Province on 5 march 2014 and has produced hundreds of aftershocks. This
earthquake inflicted considerable damage to houses and other property of the people. In
addition, the undersea megathrust earthquake can triggered the deadly and massive waves
of destruction known as tsunamis. These powerful walls of water can travel far away fromtheir source at very high speed, and upon approaching shore they slow down but grow insize. With their divesting force, tsunamis can cause tremendous loss of life and extensive
destruction to property along the shoreline of inhabited areas as had happened in the coastal
communities of Thailand’s southern provinces along the Andaman Sea rim in 2004 where
the death toll reached 5,395 and 2,817 missing.

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(5) Storms
Storms can be referred to as an atmospheric disturbance manifested in strong windaccompanied by rain, or other precipitations, or as a wide with a speed from 89 – 102 kilometers
per hour according to Beaufort scale. Storms can cause a great deal of damage to homes andother structures as well as considerable loss of life. The damage caused by storms will vary
according to their wind flow velocity and intensity. If the storm is categorized as a depression it
will produce the torrential rains accompanied by floods, and incase a depression deepening into
tropical cyclone or typhoon it’s accompanied phenomena such as torrential rains, floods, andstorm surges. Tropical cyclone can inflict the destructive impact on wide area as wide as hundredsof square kilometers (particularly the area located on or nearby its path), and coupled with its
aforesaid accompanied phenomena can cause high number of injuries and fatalities as well as
tremendous material damage as shown in Pic 2.5

Fig. 2.5 Storm Statistics during 2009 – 2013

(6) Fires
Fire outbreaks or incidents of fire have so far been the most common disaster. Fire isa sources of heat energy that serves a lot of useful purposes as long as it is under control.
But once it goes out of control, the radiant heat will quickly ignite surrounding flammable fuels
and allowing the fire to continuously spread to everywhere the sources of fire present. And if
the raging fire cannot be contained, it will rapidly grow and extend and exacerbate an alreadybad situation. In case of fuel – driven combustion or a case where large amount of fuel vapor
has been released, the more intense the fire will be in term of heat output. The substances
easily catching fire or inflammable substances include fuels, chemical substances, or any
other flammable liquids, solids or gases what can promptly initiate spontaneous combustion

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when ignited by flame or heat, or induce a combustion automatically, Fig. 2.6 illustrates fire
losses in the past five years.

Fig. 2.6 Fire Statistics during 2009 – 2013
(7) Forest Fires and Haze
Forest fire is an enclosed and freely spreading combustion that consumes the natural
fuel of forest, that is, grass, weeds, brush and trees. At present, Thailand has experienced
more intense and larger forest fires than in the past, thus, becoming a factor that has severely
disrupted the balance of ecosystem. Forest Fire has enormously generated impacts on floraand fauna, soil properties and water sources including human life and property as well as onsocial, economic and tourism activities. In addition, forest fire can cause toxic blanket of hazetaking a serious toll on people’s health and livelihood in a widespread manner. An exampleof this phenomenon, among others, includes temporary shutdown of Mae Hongson airport
due to the thick haze from forest fire obscured visibility. Fig. 2.7 illustrates Forest Firedamages during 2009 – 2013

Fig. 2.7 Forest Fire Statistics during 2009 – 2013
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(8) Transportation Hazards
The continuing economic and social development in Thailand, in turn has brought
about unintended and undesirable consequences including, inter alia an increasing trend andexacerbating of road traffic accident to the extent that it has become one of the highest
ranking causes of fatalities among Thai population Besides, road traffic accidents haveinflicted an economic burden on the family of the deaths or injuries and a society, the medical
costs, the national human capital resource loss, etc. One of official report concluded that roadtraffic accidents have accounted for 90 percent of overall transport incidents. Most common
causes of road traffic accident in Thailand include reckless driving, violation of traffic
regulations, drunk driving, not wearing safety helmet on motorcycles, unsafe condition ofvehicle and road, and unsafe environmental conditions. In this connection, Ministry of Public
Health of Thailand revealed that approximately 14,000 people were killed in road traffic
accident each year, or 21.96 deaths per 100,000 population or about 1,166 deaths per monthon average. Fig. 2.8 illustrates statistics on loss of life and property damages associated withroad traffic accidents during 2009 – 2013

Fig. 2.8 Road Traffic Accident Statistics during 2009 – 2013(9) Contagious Disease
Disease outbreak is an occurrence of more cases of a disease than would be expected
in a community or region during a given time period. A disease diffusion occurs when adisease spreads from its original source to nearby locality and beyond. Over the last few
decades, there have been a number of continuous outbreaks of contagious disease including
an emerging infectious diseases caused by newly discovered pathogenic agent that hascaused an outbreak in human or infectious disease found in new localities such as AIDS,
SAR, Avian Influenza, Ebola hemorrhagic fever, etc; and a re – emerging infectious disease
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or an infectious disease that was brought under control and recently has begun to resurge
as health problem such as chikungunya virus disease, plague, etc. Nevertheless, theemerging and re – emerging infectious disease outbreaks will occur on a periodic basis, andthere may be a potential risk of large – scale transboundary disease spreading across theborder from neighboring countries.
Year

Type of Infectious Disease

Year

Types of Infectious Disease

2004

Avian Influenza

2012

Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever2009

Influenza A (H1N1)

2013

Middle East Respiratory
Syndrome ;MERS – CoV2000 -

Chikungunya virus Disease

2014

Ebola

2001

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2.2 Disaster Risk Areas
The followings are hazard maps for likelihood and impacts of major natural disastersin Thailand:
Flood Hazard

Fig. 2.9 Flood Hazard Map

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Drought Hazard

Fig. 2.10 Drought Hazard Map

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Seismic Hazard

Fig. 2.11 Seismic Hazard Map

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Landslide Hazard

Fig. 2.12 Landslide Hazard Map

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2.3 Disaster Seasoning Calendar in Thailand
Over the past decades, the same hydro – meteorological disasters such as floods,
storms, droughts, etc. have frequently and repeatedly occurred during the same period oftime. Subsequently, the government agencies have sufficient time to predict the imminent
onset of these hazards and to put in place countermeasures to reduce their impacts or toprevent the preventable losses. Meanwhile, the climate change impacts have led to theoccurrence of unprecedented natural disasters and/or the natural disasters, many of which
are exacerbated by climate change and their trends and likelihood becoming less predictablesuch as earthquakes, coastal erosion, tsunamis, landslides, epidemic, etc. Moreover, roadtraffic accidents which are considered to be human – induced disaster are unfortunately andextremely common. Since road traffic accidents are mainly caused by wrong driving habits
and human errors and are year – round phenomenon, the single event of an incident is almost
impossible to predict its likelihood of occurring. Notwithstanding, periods when the traditional
festivals and events are held nationwide, all roads will have higher accident probabilities.
Fig. 2.13 Disaster Seasoning Calendar in Thailand

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2.4 Recent Major Disasters
2019: Tropical Storm “PABUK”, since 3rd to 6th January 2019, The storm has affected
23 provinces in southern and eastern namely Nakhon Si Thammarat, Pattani, Surat Thani,
Songkhla, Narathiwat, Chumporn, Trang, Phatthalung, Ranong, Krabi, Yala, Satun, Phuket,
Phangnga, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chanthaburi, Trat, Chon Buri, Rayong, Samut
Sakhon, Samut Songkhram and Samut Prakan.
The storm has impacted 23 provinces, 113 Districts, 574 Sub-districts, 3,837 villages
and affected 265,353 households and 884,642 people. Damages have been reported to 5
deaths and 2 injuries.
2018: Flooding, since 26th May to 25th October 2018, continuous heavy rain influenced
by tropical storm SON TINH and tropical storm BEBINCA have caused a widespread flooding inseveral provinces in northeast northern southern eastern and central region. The flood has
affected 43 provinces namely Kanchanaburi, Tak, Chingmai, Maehongson, Pijit,
Nakornsawan, Trat, Prae, Petchaboon, Pitsanulok, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ranong,Phetchaburi, Lampang, Nan, Uttaradid, Aumnart Chareon, Payoa, Chiangrai, Kalasin, Nakorn
Panom, Mookdaharn, Ubon Ratchathani, Bueng Kan, Sakonnakorn, Roi Aed, Yasothorn,
Nongkai, Phangnga, Surat Thani, Chumporn, Nakhon Nayok, Chaiyapoom, Prachin Buri,
Saraburi, Lopburi, Chachoengsao, Satun, Phuket, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Krabi, Trang, andLamphun.
The floods have impacted 43 provinces, 263 Districts, 1,018 Sub-districts, 5,684
villages and affected 127,820 households and 389,476 people. Damages have been reported
to 8 people were confirmed dead.
Landslide in Nan, 28th July 2018, heavy rain in many areas have impacted 6
houses in Bo Kluea District, Nan Province. Damages have been reported to 8 people wereconfirmed dead (2 males 6 females).
2017: Flooding in eastern region, since 5th July to 15th August 2017, continuous heavy
rain influenced by tropical storm TALAS and tropical storm SONCA have caused a widespreadflooding in several provinces in eastern and some area in northern and central region. The
flood has affected 44 provinces namely Nakornsawan, Chainart, Jantaburi, Petchaboon, Nan,Pranakorn Sri Ayuthaya, Uthaithani, Kampangpetch, Chiangrai, Chingmai, Angthong, Trat,
Ranong, Chaiyapoom, Pijit, Uttaradid, Payoa, Nontaburi, Pitsanulok, Saraburi, Lioe, Ubon
Ratchathani, Khonkaen, Mahararakham, Prae, Maehongson, Prachuap Khiri Khan,Srisaket,
Nakorn Ratchasima, Lopburi, Lampang, Kalasin, Burirum, Sakonnakorn, Sukothai,
Mookdaharn, Chumporn, Aumnart Chareon, Roi Aed, Udonthani, Yasothorn, Nongkai,
Nakorn Panom, Surin.

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The floods have impacted 44 provinces, 302 Districts, 1,724 Sub-districts, 14,105
villages and affected 609,425 households and 1,898,322 people. Damages have beenreported to 44 people were confirmed dead.
2016 – 2017: Flooding in southern region, since 1st December 2016 to 12th February
2017, continuous heavy rain influenced by low depression and the strong northeast monsoon
have caused a widespread flooding in southern region. The flood has affected 12 provinces
namely Phatthalung, Narathiwat, Yala, Songkhla, Pattani, Trang, Suratthani, Nakhon Si
Thammarat, Chumphon, Ranong, Krabi, and Prachuap Khiri Khan. The floods have impacted
12 provinces, 129 Districts, 835 Sub-districts, 6,307 villages and affected 587,544
households and over 1.8 million people. Damages have been reported to 99 people wereconfirmed dead, 4,314 Places of roads, 348 bridges, 126 weirs,2 reservoirs, 165 government
facilities, 2,336 schools and 98 mosques.
The Minister of Interior decided to raise the level of emergency and incident
management to level 3 (Large scale disaster) on 5th January 2017 and set up a front line
emergency operation and coordination center in Suratthani province within DDPM regional
office. Activation of the National Disaster Command Centre; where the Minister of Interior
is appointed as the Incident Commander, is established at DDPM Headquarter.
2011: Widespread flooding, the principle cause of the 2011 flooding in Thailand wasexacerbation of the La Niña phenomenon, which caused the rainy to materialize sooner thanusual, with an accumulation of rainfall extending from January through October that was 35
percent greater than the average. During mid-2011 Thailand was also hit by five tropicalstorms originating in the South China Sea (Haima, Nockten, Haitang, Nesat and Nalgae).
Flash flooding impacted every region of Thailand. Deforestation in many parts of the country,
the declining efficiency of the flood management infrastructure and the changes in land use
patterns exacerbated the situation. The plan for diverting floodwater to rivers and channels
to the east and west of the Chao Praya Rivers, which flow down through the center ofThailand to the gulf of Thailand proved inadequate. In addition, private construction of water
barriers reduced the exist for the massive volume of flood water. The central region
experienced the most prolonged period of flooding among regions. Uncoordinatedmanagement impeded the flow of water to the Gulf of Thailand. The flooding damaged large
areas of agriculture land, and factories had to close or move operations elsewhere.
Flooding affected 65 of 76 provinces including Bangkok Metropolitan Administration(BMA). Thailand flood 2011 made economic and social impacts were seven industrial loss, 90
percent of damages and losses from the floods were private sector. Flood effected (JULY 25,
2011-JAN, 2012) effected People 13.6 million in 4 regions, loss of Life 813, loss of Job 400,000
people, economic Damage 46.50 billion USD.

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2010: The 2010 Thai floods were a series of flash floods that hit different areas inThailand. Separate but related floods began in the Northeast and Central Thailand (6 region
definition) early October due to abnormally late monsoon moisture over the Bay of Bengal,
overflowed the Chao Phraya where the rivers meet, and affected Bangkok, and in the South
were triggered by a tropical depression about 2 weeks later, and was later aggravated byrelated La Niña monsoon rains. Although flooding is a common and annual occurrence in thispart of the world, a combination of inadequate drainage and having a higher than average
rainfall in the month of October and November 2010, catching the nation unprepared and led
to disaster. The death toll in the country stands at 232 people. According to the Thaigovernment data the floods nearly affected 7 million people in more than 25,000 villages,
mostly by destruction of property, livelihood and infrastructure. The government announced
that 38 provinces have been hit by floods from October 1 until November 13 and waters havereceded in 8 provinces leaving 30 provinces still affected including 12 in the southern regionof the country.
2009: Land slide and mudslide occur frequently due to the influence of monsoon,heavy rain in northern which are mountainous including the south.
Flood and landslides 5 provinces in northern (Uttaradit Sukhothai Phrae LampangNan) Dead 88 Missing 29 in 22 May 2009
2008: Cyclone Mekkahla hit between 31 September and 1 October 2008. The cyclone
caused torrential rains which killed 32, affected 2,864,484 and whose total loss was US$ 21.6 million.
2007: Cyclone Lekima hit Thailand between 4 and 6 October 2007 killed 17, affected
1,552,936, and whose total loss was US$ 30.8 million.
2004: The Indian Ocean Tsunami, December 2004: the Most Catastrophic Disaster inThai at 07.58 a.m., of 26 December 2004, the massive earthquake magnitude of 9.0, thestrongest in the world since 1964, struck deep under the Indian Ocean off the west coast of
Sumatra, Indonesia, and triggered the cataclysmic tidal wave that slammed on the Andamancoastal provinces, southern Thailand. The catastrophic incident devastated 6 provinces
namely, Phuket,Trang,PhangNga,Krabi, Ranongand Satun. Six Provinces had effected.
Devastated Area had 6 provinces 25 districts/sub – districts, 95 Tambons and 407 villages.
Deathtotal 5,395 Thai 1,975 and foreigner 2,245.
The Royal Thai Government, private sector and NGOs, have continuously launched
restoration activities to enhance livelihoods and rebuild the environments of the affected
people and areas following the initial phase of rescue and humanitarian relief. Simultaneously,
has conducted preparedness activities so as to reduce the vulnerability and increase theresilience in the tsunami hit communities. The international communities, NGOs and United
Nations mechanisms also continue to endlessly support Thailand in these humanitarianassistance activities.
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3. Thailand Disaster Management System
3.1 Disaster Risk Management Mechanisms
3.1.1 At Policy Level(1) National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation committee
This committee has been tasked with the following functions, among others, toformulate national disaster management policy; integrate public – private partnerships
for the development of efficient and affective disaster management system, etc.; asstipulated under the provisions of Article 6 and 7 of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation
Act B.E. 2550 (2007).
(2) National Safety Council
The main functions of this council are, among others, to propose the nationalsafety policy; propose practice guidelines and has a responsibility to undertake inter –agency coordination. The composition and functions of this council have been set out in
the Prime Minister’s Office Regulation on National Safety B.E. 2538 (1995), andaddendum.
3.1.2 At Operational Level(1) National Disaster Command Headquarters
As a national command and control facilities this headquarters has
responsibilities to direct, oversee, and coordinate the emergency management practicesof all lower disaster management centers. The Minister of Ministry of Interior has been
designated as the National Incident Commander, and the Permanent Secretary for the
Ministry of Interior to be the Deputy National Incident Commander.
In case of large – scale incident management (level 3), the Minister of ministry ofInterior will assume the role and responsibility of National Incident Commander, whilst incase of catastrophic incident management, the Prime Minister or the Deputy Prime
Minister whom assigned by the Prime Minister will assume the National Incident
Commander’s role and responsibility.
(2) Disaster Management Centre
Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation is required to set up the Central
Disaster Management Centre, and the Director – General of this Department has been
designated as the Central Incident Commander. Its functions and authority are set forth
as follows:(2.1) In a non-emergency situation: Coordinates and integrates the emergency
response information, resources, and plans of all relevant government agencies in orderto ensure the overall state of readiness for handling any type of potential disaster.
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(2.2) Likelihood of disaster: Undertakes full scale preparation for potential
response operations, keeps a close watch on the disaster situation, conducts data
analysis and rapid situation assessment, disseminates early warning message as well
as reporting and providing recommendations to the National Incident Commander as thePrime Minister as the case may be for the purpose of making decisions related to disaster
relief and emergency response operations to be jointly conducted by all participating
agencies in a coordinated and seamless manner.
(2.3) During a disaster: Directs, integrates, and coordinates the joint response
operations for small – (level 1) and medium scale (level 2) disasters. In this context, theCentral Disaster Management Centre is required to take responsibilities for directing,conducting disaster situation assessment and providing technical support andassistance to the National Incident command Headquarters ; keeping a close watch on
the disaster situation and disseminating early warning massage; and providing
information and recommendations to the National Incident Commander for the purpose
making any decision on raising the level of the disaster incident to level 3 (large – scale
incident), and to the Prime Minister or to the Deputy Prime Minister whom assigned by
the Prime Minister in case of the upgrade to level 4.
Nevertheless, the Central Disaster Management Center is required to continue
acting as the constituent part of in the Emergency Response Coordination Centre under
the National Disaster Command Headquarters in case of the upgrade to level 3 and level4.
(3) Provincial Disaster Management Centre
This centre has been tasked to direct, control, provide support for and coordinate
disaster risk management efforts within the respective provincial jurisdiction. In thisconnection, the provincial governor has been designated as the Provincial Incident
Commander, the vice – provincial governor whom assigned by the provincial governor
and chairman of the provincial administrative organization have been designated as
Deputy Provincial Incident Commanders. The administrative component of this centre
has been designed as follow:
Provincial Disaster Management Centre
Administrative Staff
1. Provincial governor

Commander

2. Assigned vice – governor

Deputy Commander

3. Chairman of provincial administrative organization

Deputy Commander

4. Commander of………provincial police

Committee

5. Assigned representative from Ministry of Defence

Committee

6. Deputy Governor

Committee
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7. Provincial chief medical officer

Committee

8. Representative from government agency

Committee

appointed by the provincial governor
9. Representative from educational institution

Committee

located in the respective province appointed
by the provincial governor
10. Representative from charitable organization

Committee

appointed by the provincial governor
11. Director of Disaster Prevention andCommittee

Mitigation Regional Center
12. Chief of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation………… Committee/Secretary
Provincial Office
N.B.: Committee member is subject to change as considered appropriate by the provincial
governor.
Functions and Authoritya) Develop the District Disaster Risk Management Plan and other relevant planfor the purpose of directing, coordinating, and providing support for disastermanagement efforts of the local administrative organization, in accordancewith the Provincial Disaster Risk Management Plan.
b) Set forth guidelines to be observed by District and Local Administrative
Organization Disaster Management Centres in specific locality in undertaking
disaster risk management and disaster preparedness activities as well as inundertaking post – disaster recovery interventions.
c) Monitor, and conduct disaster situation analysis and assessment. When adisaster actually occurs or is very likely in its jurisdiction, this centre is required
to make recommendations to the District Incident Commander in the context
of setting up the District Emergency Operation Centre to take responsibility forthe command and control of incidents.
d) Collect data and establish data bank of disaster related resources required tocarry out disaster risk management activities within district jurisdiction.
e) Perform other functions and responsibilities as assigned by the provincial
governor or the Provincial Disaster Management Centre.
(4) Bangkok Metropolitan Disaster Management Centre
This centre has been tasked to direct, control, and coordinate disaster risk
management efforts within its jurisdiction; to develop action plan based on its vulnerability
and exposure to specific hazards in line with the Bangkok Metropolitan Disaster Risk
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Management Plan; as well as providing technical assistance support for implementation ofdisaster risk management activities and functioning as emergency response unit when an
actual disasters occur within its jurisdiction. The governor of Bangkok Metropolitan
Administration, as the Bangkok Metropolitan Incident Commander has been tasked toperform duties and responsibilities as stipulated in item (3) of Disaster Prevention and
Mitigation Act B.E. 2550 (2007). All this, the administrative component as well as duties andresponsibilities of this centre will be subject to the governor of Bangkok Metropolitan
Administration approval.
(5) District Disaster Management Centre
As a district command and control centre, it has been tasked to direct, provide support
for and coordinate disaster management efforts of local administrative organizations locatedin its jurisdiction, as well as performing any function as assigned by the provincial governor
or by the Provincial Disaster Management Centre. The chief district officer has been
designated as the District Incident Commander, and the administration component has been
designed as follow
District Disaster Management Centre
Administrative Staff
1. District chief

Commander

2. Deputy district chief

Deputy Commander

3. Superintendent of police station in district locality

Committee

4. Assigned representative from Ministry of Defence

Committee

5. District chief medical officer

Committee

6. Executives of local administrative

Committeeorganization in district locality
7. Representative of the chief officer ofCommittee

the government agency affiliated to central
administration department located in district locality
8. Representative from state agency appointed

Committee

by district chief
9. Representative from educational institution

Committee

appointed by district chief
10. Representative from charitable organization working

Committee

in district locality appointed by district chief
11. Deputy district chief for district security affairs

Committee/
Co – Secretary

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12. Representative from Disaster Prevention and
Mitigation……… Provincial OfficeCommittee/
Co - Secretary

N.B. : Committee member is subject to change as considered appropriate by district chief.
Functions and Authority
1.Develop the District Disaster Risk Management Plan and other relevant plan for the
purpose of directing, coordinating, and providing support for disaster management efforts of
the local administrative organization, in accordance with the Provincial Disaster Risk
Management Plan.
2.Set forth guidelines to be observed by District and Local Administrative Organization
Disaster Management Centres in specific locality in undertaking disaster risk managementand disaster preparedness activities as well as in undertaking post – disaster recovery
interventions.
3.Monitor, and conduct disaster situation analysis and assessment. When a disaster
actually occurs or is very likely in its jurisdiction, this centre is required to makerecommendations to the District Incident Commander in the context of setting up the District
Emergency Operation Centre to take responsibility for the command and control of incidents.
4.Collect data and establish data bank of disaster related resources required to carryout disaster risk management activities within district jurisdiction.
5.Perform other functions and responsibilities as assigned by the provincial governoror the Provincial Disaster Management Centre.
(6) Pattaya City Disaster Management Centre
As Pattaya City command and control centre, it has been tasked to direct, provide
support for, and coordinate disaster management efforts of Pattaya City as well as functioning
as emergency response unit during an actual disaster, along with developing Pattaya City
Disaster Management Action Plan in line with the Provincial Disaster Risk Management Plan
and the District Disaster Risk Management Plan. In addition, this Centre has been tasked toprovide support and assistance to the Provincial Incident Commander and the District
Incident Commander as being assigned, including provision of assistance and support to theneighboring or adjacent local administrative organizations related to the implementation ofdisaster management activities upon their requests. The mayor of Pattaya City has been
designate as the Local Government Incident Commander(7) Municipal Disaster Management Centre
As a municipal command and control centre, it has been tasked to direct, provide
support for, and coordinate disaster management efforts of the respective municipality as
well as functioning as emergency response unit during an actual disaster, along withThailand country report | VR2019B ADRC

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developing the Municipal Disaster Risk Management Action Plan in line with the Provincial
Disaster Risk Management Plan and the District Disaster Management Plan. In addition, thiscentre has been tasked to provide support and assistance to the Provincial Incident
Commander and the District Incident commander as being assigned, including provision ofassistance and support to the neighboring or adjacent local administrative organizations
related to the implementation of disaster risk management activities upon their requests. The
municipal mayor has been designated as a Local Government Incident Commander.
N.B.: Category of Municipality in Thailand
1. City municipality
2. Town municipality
3. Subdistrict municipality(8) Subdistrict Administrative Organization Disaster Management Centre
As a subdistrict administrative organization command and control center, it has beentasked to direct, provide support for, and coordinate disaster risk management efforts of therespective sub – district as well as functioning as emergency response unit during an actual
disaster, along with developing the Subdistrict Disaster Risk Management Action Plan in linewith the Provincial Disaster Risk Management Plan and the District Disaster Management
Plan. In addition, this Centre has been tasked to provide support and assistance to theneighboring or adjacent local administrative organizations related to the implementation ofdisaster management activities upon their requests. The chairman of subdistrict
administrative organization has been designated as the Local Government Incident
Commander.

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Fig 3.1 Disaster Risk Management Mechanisms
Mechanisms
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3.2 Emergency and Incident Management
An emergency and incident management in Thai context is classified into four levels
based on a wide range of parameters, including areas affected, size, severity level andcomplexity, number of population, existing capacity for emergency management as well as
the availability and capability of resources capability. These who have legal authority musttake these parameters into account when making decision to assume the role of Incident
Commander.

Fig 3.2 Organization Chart of Implementation Body
Mechanisms
National Command Center Organization Chart

Fig.3.3 illustrates the formation of the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation
Command Center once it is activated. (DDPM, 2016)

Fig. 3.3 The command Structure of the Nation Disaster Command Center when activatedThailand country report | VR2019B ADRC

29

Interagency Relationships and Collaborative Linkages for Emergency
Management Operation

N.B.
Chain of Command-------

Chain of Communication* Division of work and areas of responsibility need to be done in accordance with
Disaster Mitigation Plan of Ministry of Defence and Memorandum of Understanding on

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Disaster Management Operations between the Provincial Incident Commander and the Area
Commandant
List of Acronyms
Ministry of Defence (MOD)BNB : Bangkok Naval BaseCTBCD : Chanthaburi and Trad Border Defense Command

DMCMOD: Disaster Mitigation Center, Ministry of Defence

DMCPSMOD: Disaster Mitigation Center, Office of Permanent Secretary for
Ministry of Defence

DMCRTA: Disaster Mitigation Center, Royal Thai ArmyDMCRTAF: Disaster Mitigation Center, Royal Thai Air ForceDMCRTArFH: Disaster Mitigation Center, Royal Thai Armed Forces
HeadquartersDMCRTN: Disaster Mitigation Center, Royal Thai Navy

MC: Military Circle



MD: Minister of Defence

MRU: Mekhong Riverine Unit



NAC: Naval Area Command

NMCCRTArFH: National Military Command Center, Royal Thai Armed Forces
Headquarters



OPSMOD: Office of Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Defence

OU: Organic Unit

RTA: Royal Thai Army

RTAF: Royal Thai Air Force

RTArF: Royal Thai Armed Forces



RTArFH: Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters



RTAFOU: Royal Thai Air Force Organic Unit

RTANOU: Royal Thai Navy Organic Unit

RTAOU: Royal Thai Army Organic Unit

RTN: Royal Thai NavySRMCTF: Southern Region Marine Corps Task Force

Ministry of Interior (MOI)

BMG: Bangkok Metropolitan Governor

MI: Minister of Interior

PG: Provincial Governor

DC: District Chief
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

SAO: Subdistrict Administrative Organization

Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM)
DGDDPM: Director General of Department of Disaster Prevention and
Mitigation

DPMRC: Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Regional Centre



NDRMP: National Disaster Risk Management Plan

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO)

NSC: Office of the National Security Council



RTP: Royal Thai Police

MPB : Metropolitan Police Bureau



SBPPOC : Southern Border Police Operation Center

CIB : Central Investigation Bureau

SBB : Special Branch Bureau



BPPB : Border Patrol Police Bureau

OFSRTP : Office of Forensic Science, Royal Thai Police

PPR 1-9 : Provincial Police Regional 1-9

Implementing Mechanisms


ISOC: Internal Security Operations command

CDMC: Central Disaster Management Centre

DCDMC: Director of Central Disaster Management Centre

BMDMC: Bangkok Metropolitan Disaster Management Centre

PDMC: Provincial Disaster Management Centre



DDMC: District Disaster Management Centre

MDMC: Municipal Disaster Management Centre

PCDMC: Pattaya City Disaster Management Centre

SAODMC: Subdistrict Administrative Organization Disaster Management
Centre

NDCH: National Disaster Command Headquarters

ESF: Emergency Support Functions



DCC: District Command Center



PCC: Provincial Command Center



BMCC: Bangkok Metropolitan Command Center

National Committee

DPPMC: National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Committee

NSC: National Safety Council

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Commander

NIC: National Incident Commander (Minister of Ministry of Interior)

CIC: Central Incident Commander (Director General of Department of Disaster
Prevention and Mitigation)



PIC: Provincial Incident Commander

BMIC: Bangkok Metropolitan Incident Commander

DIC: District Incident Commander

LGIC: Local Government Incident Commander

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3.3 Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation
Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), according to the Bureaucrat
Reform Act 2002, has been formed by different organizations responsible for disaster prevention
and mitigation as follows:(1) Civil Defence Division of Department of Provincial Administration;(2) Department of Accelerated Rural Development;(3) Department of Social Welfare, Department of Community Development; and(4) Office of National Safety Council
According to Article 11 of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Act B.E.2550, DDPM is
mandated to be central government agency under the umbrella of Ministry of Interior to undertake
the work on disaster prevention and mitigation at a national level. Aside its Head Office in Bangkok,
DDPM has thoroughly 76 DDPM provincial offices, and 18 regional centers. The locations of
DDPM regional centers namely;
1) Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Regional Center, Zone 1 Pathum Thani
2) Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Regional Center, Zone 2 Suphan Buri
3) Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Regional Center, Zone 3 Prachin Buri
4) Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Regional Center, Zone 4 Prachuap Kiri Khab
5) Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Regional Center, Zone 5 Nakhon Ratchasima
6) Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Regional Center, Zone 6 Khon Kean
7) Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Regional Center, Zone 7 Sakhon Nakhon
8) Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Regional Center, Zone 8 Kamphaeng Phet
9) Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Regional Center, Zone 9 Phitsanulok
10) Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Regional Center, Zone 10 Lampang
11) Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Regional Center, Zone 11 Surat Thani
12) Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Regional Center, Zone 12 Songkhla
13) Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Regional Center, Zone 13 Ubon Ratchathani
14) Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Regional Center, Zone 14 Udon Thani
15) Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Regional Center, Zone 15 Chaing Rai
16) Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Regional Center, Zone 16 Chainat

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In 2004, Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Academy (DPMA) has been established and6 campus in Prachinburi, Songkhla, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Phuket, Phitsanulok which iscurrently conducting training for its own staffs, some government stakeholders and privateorganization.
DDPM’s responsibility:
1. Materializing disaster and civil emergency prevention and warning Systems and creating
preparedness in all areas.
2.Directing and implementing disaster and civil emergency mitigation activity systematically,
rapidly, equitably and thoroughly.
3. Procurement of materials, equipments, and vehicles, indispensable for disaster prevention,
mitigation, suppression and for relief operation.
4. Rehabilitation of damaged public utilities, physical and mental recuperation of disaster victim,
and restoration of livelihood. All these activities are carried out on thorough, equitable andrapid basis, and be in harmony with the needs of the victims.
5. Mainstreaming and collaborating disaster prevention and mitigation system, programme,
the implementation evaluation with other national and international agencies.
Disaster Management in DDPM’s main activities
Disaster Management comprises 3 phases as follow;
1. Preparedness Phase: DDPM has supported the provinces to carry out
preparedness related activities as follow;(1) Formulating disaster prevention plan.
(2) Training the officials and Civil Defence Volunteer.
(3) Educating the general public.
(4) Procuring equipments, vehicles and other amenities and safety temporary shelters.
(5) Conducting annual drills and exercise in different levels.
2. Prevention and Mitigation Phase: In the event of disaster or the potential disaster,
DDPM will implement the following activities.
1. Early warning: After receiving the information of potential disaster from Department ofMeteorological and Department of Mineral Resources, DDPM will immediately relay to therisk province to further warn the people of the hazard or evacuate the people.
2. Directing Unit: The National Committee will set up “Operation Center” to manage disaster3. Providing relief operation to the affected people thoroughly and rapidly.

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4. Coordinating: In the event of large-scale disaster, DDPM will coordinate with all agencies
concerned to mobilize relief efforts to affected areas.
5. Telecommunication: The Director of National Committee is authorized to utilize all
telecommunication facilities in the affected areas. DDPM will coordinate with
telecommunication concerned agencies to provide the substitute facilities in case thetelecommunication system in the affected area broke down.
6. Public Relations: At national level, DDPM is responsible for disseminating the disaster
related information to the public continuously to protect the life and property of the citizens.
Moreover to alert the possibility of disaster just before a strong tremor is expected to strikeas “a warning”

3. Recovery Phase: DDPM is responsible for(1) Providing relief to affected people: Provincial/District/Local authorities assess thedamages and losses and enlist the affected persons. DDPM will carry out to pay
cash compensation the victims.
(2) Clean-up: DDPM will coordinate with all agencies concerned to mobilize theequipments to conduct clean-up activities.
(3) Long-term Rehabilitation: DDPM is responsible for coordinating with all agencies
concerned to collect all relevant information on long-term rehabilitation projects
and further submit for cabinet’s approval

3.4 National Disaster Warning Center
The National Disaster Warning Center was established under the Order of the Office of
the Prime Minister and then transferred to be under of the Ministry of Information andCommunication Technology. It is to protect lives and properties of Thai people and foreign visitors
by setting up the National Warning Center as soon as possible.
The major task of the National Disaster Warning Center is to detect earthquake and toanalyze seismic data to determine the possibility of a Tsunami generation before issuingnotification messages to the public and related authorities and rescuers for evacuation of people
into safe places. This is to prevent the loss of people’s lives and properties as much as possible.
From now on, the National Disaster Warning Center will be developed, upgraded of its early
warning system and extended its telecommunication networks to be able to cope with multihazards disasters apart from Tsunami. Now, NDWC had transferred to be under of the
Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.

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3.5 Early Warning Systems
From concept of action, early warning system is a structure of disaster management
system and a communication system for timely dissemination of warning information to theauthorities and general public. Guiding principles for effective early warning systems include:
3.5.1 Levels of Alerts and Early Warnings : alert and warning informationRed : associated with colors are denotes the situation where the likelihood ofhazardous event is most imminent. It is recommended to remain or stay incompletely safe place and follow the advice or instruction of the authorities.

Orange : denotes the situation where the likelihood of hazardous is imminent.
The government officials are attempting to bring emergency situation undercontrol. Take immediate action to evacuate to designated safety place andfollow the guidelines set fortYellow : denotes the situation where there has been an increased likelihood ofhazardous event. It is advised to be prepared to cope with potential disasterand to conform to the current advice.

Blue : denotes the situation where an activation of disaster surveillance system
is needed. Take all required steps to closely keep track of disaster information
on a 24 hour basis.

Green : denotes non – emergency situation. It is advised to keep track of
relevant information on a regular basis.

.
3.5.2 Notification and Warning Dissemination Process : encompasses thefollowing actions :1) Keeping constant watch and monitoring:
These actions aim at monitoring and conducting surveillance the evolving situationof the ongoing incident that may result in a high potential for devastating disaster,
including provision of timely and efficient information to general public. These
actions are undertaken on an around – the - clock basis by relevant government
agencies that are well – equipped with relevant knowledge and high – end
equipment and technology, including Thai Meteorological Department, Royal
Irrigation

Department,

DepartmentofMineralResources,hydrographic

Department, etc. In this connection, Ministry of Information and communications
Technology has been assigned to play a critical role in systematizing
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communication system, and all other relevant agencies should be prepared toadequately procure communication equipment needed to link up with overall
communication system and to ensure their full - fledged, 24 – hour operational
capability. And in the meantime to enable the National Disaster Command
Headquarters and the Central Disaster Management Centre to carry out
information exchange, analysis and situation assessment for the purpose of
making well - informed decision in the wake of disaster.
2) Early warning notification:
This action aims at notifying and alerting government agencies, units, the Disaster
Management Centres at all levels and the general public of significant likelihoodof hazardous event in areas at risk in order to monitor and conduct surveillance ofthe evolving situation of the ongoing incident on a continuous basis. The time –frame for notification of early warning information varies in accordance with typesof hazard. Generally, notification should be made no later than 120 hours inadvance of actual event. As the Central Coordinating Centre, Ministry ofInformation and Communication Technology in conjunction with Public Relations
Department are in charge of establishing guidelines, measures, and protocol incollaboration with relevant agencies whose missions are to conduct surveillance
and monitoring of emergency situation, publicizing and dissemination of warning
information in order to ensure an application of common protocols and standards
for alert and notification. This will help facilitate the proper perception of warning
information by, and better understanding of the target recipients
3) Emergency warning:This action aims at validating data and information confirming that probability ofdisaster occurrence has increased by more than sixty percent, and at notifying
government agencies, units, the Disaster Management Centres at all levels andthe general public in the areas at risk of operating principles to ensure their stateof readiness to deal with potential disasters. The issuance of emergency warnings
and timely notification should be made not less than 72 hours in advance of actual
event. The content of an emergency notification should include the following
information, if known :Timeline of expected disaster and areas expected to be affected.

Potential impacts and expected duration of a disaster.



Operating principles for government agencies, units and general public.

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

Preparation of basic survival needs to cope with the effects of disaster suchas food, drinking water and medicines and other essentials.

In conjunction with other government agencies responsible for emergency
notification, the Central Disaster Management Centre is required to put procedures
and measures in place for issuing directives instructing the Disaster Management
Centre at each level, Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Regional Centers, as wellas assigning as well as assigning Public Relations Department along with
Department of Provincial Administration to identify the procedures used todisseminate, distribute and publicize the information and to notify the executive
heads of local bodies and the general public. These procedures are intended toensure that the accurate emergency warning information has reached the target
general public in a timely manner, and to ensure an application of common
protocols and standards for alert and notification among relevant agencies.
It is crucial for the Disaster Management Centre at each level to report the resultsof its completion or execution of the required functions to the Central Disaster
Management Centre within 24 hours upon receipt of warning to verify two – way
communications and communications interoperability4) Evacuation and emergency response preparedness
The Disaster Management Centre at each level is in charge of identifying and put
in place the guide lines and procedures for government agencies, units and private
sector organizations to follow in responding to emergency situation, as well as indeveloping emergency evacuation plan and conducting an evacuation drill. As asupport agency, Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Regional Centre will provide
resource support to entities involved in delivering response efforts. Nevertheless,when that the emergency situation escalates, the incident management and control
is beyond the normal capacity or authority of on – site emergency response
authorities, the agencies involved are required to notify the Central Management
Centre of such situation instantly

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4. Legal Framework and National Disaster risk Management Plan
4.1 Legal Framework
The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Act B.E. 2550 (2007) has served as theprincipal legal mechanism for disaster risk management practices in Thailand, coupled withanapplication

of

other

disasterriskmanagement

relatedlaws/regulations/notifications/directives. These legal mechanisms have been elaborated as follow : (DDPM,
2011)
4.1.1 Major Law
Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Act B.E. 2550 (2007) and its six relevant supportive
legislations namely ;1) Ministerial Regulation Prescribing Criteria and Method for Permissible Compensation
Payable to Person (s) Injured While Performing Disaster - Related Duties Assigned
B.E. 2554 (2011)
2) Regulation of Ministry of Interior on Criteria for Appointment of Disaster Prevention
and Mitigation Officials and Their Performance of Assigned Duties B.E. 2553 (2010)
3) Regulation of Ministry of Interior on Civil Volunteer Affairs B.E. 2553 (2010)
4) Regulation of Ministry of Interior on Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Official
Uniforms, Insignia, and Identification Card B.E. 2554 (2011)
5) Regulation of Ministry of Interior on Criteria for Issuance of Reference and Verification
Letter to Disaster Affected People or Owner or Possessor of Property for Establishing
Entitlement to Disaster Relief Assistance or Other Services B.E. 2552 (2009)6) Notification of Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation on Disaster Affected
People Verification Form
4.1.2 Other Relevant Law/Regulation/Notification/Directive
1) Public Administration Act B.E. 2534 (1991) and Relevant Regulations of Office of
the Prime Minister namely;(1.1) Regulation of Office of the Prime Minister on National Water Resources
Management B.E. 2550 (2007)(1.2) Regulation of Office of the Prime Minister on Prevention and Elimination of Maritime
Oil Pollution B.E. 2547 (2004)(1.3) Regulation of Office of the Prime Minister on National Disaster Warning System
Management B.E. 2552 (2009)(1.4) Regulation of Office of the Prime Minister on Donations and Provision of Assistanceto Disaster Victims B.E. 2542 (1999)

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(1.5) Regulation of Office of the Prime Minister on Mutual Fund for Mitigation of Disaster
Loss and Damage in Agricultural Sector B.E. 2539 (1986)(1.6) Regulation of Office of the Prime Minister on Mutual Fund for Mitigation of Disaster
Loss and Damage in Agricultural Sector (2nd Edition) B.E. 2548 (2005)(1.7) Regulation of Office of the Prime Minister on Public Utilities Operations
Coordination B.E. 2529 (1986)(1.8) Regulation of Office of the Prime Minister on National Safety B.E. 2538 (1995)(1.9) Regulation of Office of the Prime minister Regarding National Policy on the
Rehabilitation of the Sea B.E. 2539 (1996)(1.10) Regulation of Office of the Prime Minister on Practices of Collecting Donations ofState Agencies B.E. 2544 (2011)(1.11) Regulation of Office of the Prime Minister Regarding National Executive
Committee on Agricultural Credit B.E. 2541 (1998)
2) Budgeting Process Act B.E. 2502 (1979) and the relevant regulations issued by Ministryof Finance Namely;(2.1)Regulation of Ministry of Finance on Contingency Fund Advances for Assisting
Disaster Affected People B.E. 2556 (2003)(2.2)Criteria for the Use of Contingency Fund Advances for Assisting Thai Citizens
Overseas B.E. 2541 (1998)(2.3)Regulation of Ministry of Finance on Contingency Fund Advances for Emergency
Expenditures or maintaining National Security B.E. 2532 (1989)(2.4)Regulation of Ministry of Finance on Contingency Fund Advances for Prevention
and Elimination of Maritime oil Pollution B.E. 2547 (2004)(2.5)Regulation of Ministry of Finance on Contingency Fund Advances for Assisting
People Experiencing Rainfall Shortage B.E. 2521 (1978)

4.2 National Disaster risk Management Plan (2015)
4.2.1 Background
Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Act 2007 is the main legal basis providing
framework for all sectors in disaster risk management. According to Article 44 of Disaster
Prevention and Mitigation Act 2007, when foreseeable that the country risks situation ischanging or the existing National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Plan has been
implemented for five years, it is recommended to revisit and revise the plan in a timely manner.
Article 11 (1) of the said Act, therefore, mandated The Department of Disaster Prevention
and Mitigation (DDPM) to be responsible agency for such plan development. Before the plancan be in effective, DDPM has to propose it to the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation
Committee (NDPMC), chaired by Prime Minister or designated Deputy Prime Minister for
approval and later to the Cabinet for endorsement. This current national plan has undergone
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a participatory planning process, where related sectors were engaged, including public,
private and civil society. The Plan was approved by NDPMC on 9 February 2015. Then on
31 March 2015, the Cabinet endorsed the Plan and enforced related sectors of all levels to
implement the plan, to develop their own action plan and to incorporate projects andprograms on disaster risk management into their annual plan. The Cabinet also urged theBudget Bureau, concerned agencies and local governments to allocate sufficient budget toprojects/programs on disaster risk reduction, emergencies response and recovery in asustained manner.
4.2.2 Disaster Risk Management Target
1) To ensure overall readiness of the national disaster risk management system
to deal with potential disaster incidents through integrated and coordinatedcollaboration with stakeholders across multiple sectors and countries to timely
provide disaster relief and emergency assistance to disaster affected people
as well as undertaking the immediate and long – term disaster recovery andreconstruction in the affected areas in a fair and thorough manner with a viewto establishing standards and practices for national disaster risk management.
2) To cultivate a lifelong learning culture amongst, and boost the natural disaster
immunity of all sectors of society in Thailand aiming to gain a better grasp of
the ways to manage disaster risk through providing spaces and opportunities
for individuals, communities, civil society and other stakeholders to participate
in disaster risk management practices towards sustainable development.
3) To increase public safety awareness through highlighting the creation of bodyof knowledge, awareness, and safety culture as well as developing local andcommunity capacity gearing towards building community resilience todisasters.
4.2.3 Objectives of National Plan
1) To provide consistent nationwide concept of operations to enable national andlocal governments, private sector, and other sectors of society to collectively
implement disaster management activities in an integrated and systematicmanner, and in the same direction.
2) To compile the current internationally – recognized guidelines and directions
and are used worldwide for disaster risk management that can be applied todisaster risk management in Thai context and to be used in the developmentof relevant plans at different levels of government such as Provincial Disaster
Risk Management Plan, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Disaster Risk
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Management Plan, including Disaster Management Action Plan of the local
administration organizations and Emergency Support Function Plans etc., toenable these local authorities to more efficiently and effectively deal withdisasters.
3) To develop and enhance capacities for disaster risk management which
encompasses disaster risk reduction, emergency management and buildingback better and safer at community, local, national and international levels tofurther minimize the potential losses from disasters.
This National Disaster Risk Management Plan (2015) has been developed based on
the national disaster management policy and the national disaster risk management strategy
as follow
4.2.4 National Disaster Management Policy
The National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Committee has laid down thefollowing four national disaster management policy framework’s focus areas.
1) Improving and promoting disaster risk reduction by means of boosting theefficiency of disaster prevention, preparedness, and reducing disaster impacts
through creating safe communities and promoting community and local
involvement in improving disaster management practices in order to build
resilience, foster adaptation to the effects of disaster events towards
sustainable development.
2) Synergizing multisectoral partnerships’ efforts to develop and enhance thecapacities necessary for more effective, efficient and coherent emergency
management as well as for equitable, timely and impartial distribution of relief
supplies to disaster victims and mitigating disaster impacts.
3) Developing disaster recovery system that ably handles the demand forrecovery assistance of disaster victims in a timely and impartial manner andthe needs for rapid rehabilitation and reconstruction of disaster devastatedareas to previous state or building back better and safer.
4) Developing and promoting the standards on international cooperation fordisaster risk reduction between and among partnerships and networks at bothnational and international levels to be more efficient and effective.
4.2.5 Disaster Risk Management Strategy
The strategies for disaster risk management outlined in this National Plan are intended
to enhancing the national efficiency and effectiveness in fulfilling national disaster risk
management targets and the objectives set forth, in order to meet international standards ;to ensure public safety and protection of life and of public and private property ; as well as
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boosting and maintaining social and economic sustainable stability. The followings are four
key strategies for disaster risk management.
Strategy 1 Focusing on disaster risk reduction
Strategy 2 Applying integrated emergency management system
Strategy 3 Strengthening and enhancing the efficiency of sustainable disasterrecoveryStrategy 4 Promoting and strengthening international cooperation on disasterrisk management

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Fig.4.1 Disaster Risk Management Strategy.
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5. International Cooperation
Since its establishment in 2002, DDPM has been working closely with international
partner organizations and countries in all areas of disaster management including disastermonitoring, early warning, prevention and mitigation and mitigation, preparedness andresponse, disaster relief and recovery. (DDPM, 2016)

5.1 Partnerships with International bodies/agencies
1. The ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management (ACDM) and ACDM Working
Groups.
2. Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC)
3. Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre (ADPC)
4. The Typhoon Committee (TC)’s Working Group on Disaster Risk Reduction
5. APEC’s Emergency Preparedness Working Group (EPWG)
6. ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF)
7. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Japan
8. USAID & USFS
9. GIZ

5.2 International Frameworks and Guidelines
1. The ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response(AADMER) and the AADMER Work Programme 2016 - 2020
2. The ASEAN Declaration on One ASEAN One Response (OAOR)
3. The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) 2015 – 2030
4. Bangkok Declaration on Disaster Risk Reduction (The outcome of the 6th AMCDRR)
5. UNDAC/INSARAG Guidelines (UN-OCHA)
6. APC MADRO (UN-OCHA)
7. ASEAN SASOP and ERAT Guidelines (AHA Centre)
8. East Asia Summit (EAS) Disaster Management Tool Kits
9. IFRC’s Guideline for International Disaster Relief Laws

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6. Recent Projects on Disaster Risk Reduction
6.1 Flood Prevention Project
Since 2014 to the present DDPM has been Flood Prevention Project is thereconstruction of the existing water resources to prevent and tackle drought and floods
include Prevent and reduce the impact of flooding, flash flood and mudslide structures morethan 2232 project over budget 6.8 Billion Bath.

6.2 One-Tambon-One-Search and Rescue Team (OTOS)DDPM has realized the urgent need to setup efficient and skillful search andrescue team at provincial, district and local levels. In this regard, DDPM has launched OTOS
program which contains ; at the provincial level, the training of provincial SAR teams werecompleted and have been assigned to be SAR instructors ; at district level, district SAR teamhave been trained to become instructors as well ; at Tambon level (Thailand’s administrative unit
in between district and village). Nowadays, OTOS program is completed with 7,255 SAR teams(10 members) based in each tambon or local administration offices 6,119 local authorities
throughout the country and more than 73,831 volunteers trained.

6.3 Disaster Management Training for managers, practitioners, local
government officers and others through DDPM’s Disaster Prevention and Mitigation
Academy (DPMA)
Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has set up Disaster Prevention and
Mitigation Academy (DPMA) in October 2004 to be the national training center in the field of
disaster management. DPMA has coordinated with the agencies and developed countries
including international organizations to develop curricula and mobilize the technology andknowhow for standardize training. The courses will be organized to serve the capacity of thegovernment officers, local administration officers and private sector who are in charge of thedisaster management including civil defence volunteers. Nowadays, DPMA has extended to 6
campuses in upcountry. The standard curricula have consisted of the Fire Fighting, Building
Collapse (Search and Rescue), Hazmat Emergency Management, Civil Defense Volunteer andDisaster Management.

6.4 Community-Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM) Program
DDPM has adopted and applied this appropriate people participatory approach togenerate the awareness among the general public and mobilize their participation in every phaseof disaster management so as to build safer and resilient community. In the past year, DDPM
collaborates with various government agencies, local authorities, NGOs and internationalorganization. This program will be jointly organized on the continuous to cover all vulnerable

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communities nation-wide. Nowadays, CBDRM program is completed with 8,000 vulnerable

communities from 26,000 vulnerable communities.

6.5 “Mr. Warning” Training Program
In conjunction with various government agencies and NGO, DDPM has implemented acommunity-based volunteer training program which aims at creating a disaster warning
network in the flashflood and mud slide prone villages. The trained villagers are designatedas “Mr. Warning” and assigned to be the “vigilant”, “forewarner” and “coordinator” inemergency and non-emergency situation respectively. This program has been in concertedwith its preceded program, “Simple Rain Gauge Installation” program. Nowadays, “Mr.
Warning” training Program is completed with 8,221 trained people in the flood prone areas tobe trained in this programme.

6.6 Emergency Response Team Development Project (ERT)
Emergency Response Team or ERT has been developing by DDPM to response
for each type of large-scale hazards or incidents. Basically, ERT was set up 20 teams, 2
teams embedded in DDPM, Bangkok Office, and the other 18 teams in each Regional Centerof DDPM. Each ERT will consist 10 members, including one (1) team leader, three (3) forplanning, and six (6) for operation. Team leader will be the chief officer to coordinate with
Provincial Director and officers of the Ad-Hoc Directing Center in case of disaster occurring.

6.7 Development of Civil Defence Volunteer Network Program
The main objective of this program is to increase the number of community-based
Civil Defence Volunteer whose function is to holistically assist the government official’s
operation of all disaster. Currently, there are approximately 1 million Civil Defence Volunteers
that had been trained and registered nation-wide. These Civil Defence Volunteers are basedin their community and are on stand-by to be summoned all time. Nowadays, Civil Defence
Volunteer Network Program is completed with 1,106,465 trained people.

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7. Counterpart of ADRC
Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Ministry of Interior
Address: 3/12 U-Thong Nok Road, Dusit, Bangkok 10300 THAILAND.
Tel: +66 2243 5279
Fax: +66 2243 5279
E-mail: foreign_dpm@yahoo.com
Website: www.disaster.go.th.

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8. References
Central Intelligence Agency. (2017, Fabruary 02). THE WORLD FACTBOOK. Retrieved
from www.cia.gov: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-worldfactbook/geos/th.html
CHARIYAPHAN, R. (2012). Thailand’s country profile 2012. Kobe,Japan: ADRC.
DDPM. (2011). The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Act B.E. 2550 (2007) and relevant
supportive legislations. Bangkok: Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.
DDPM. (2015). National Disaster Risk Management Pland. Bangkok: Department ofDisaster Prevention and Mitigation.
DDPM. (2016, 01). Thailand's Disaster Management System. bangkok: Department ofDisaster Prevention and Mitigation.
Department Of Provincial Administration. (2017, Fabruary 2). Department Of Provincial
Administration. Retrieved from www3.dopa.go.th:
http://www3.dopa.go.th/images/document/0301/person58edit.PDF
Wikimedia Foundation, Inc.,. (2017, Febyuary 3). Transport in Thailand. Retrieved fromwikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transport_in_Thailand

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