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 the views of theADRC. The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on themaps in the report also do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the
ADRC.

Thailand’s country profile 2012

By
RUJIRA CHARIYAPHAN
Department of Disaster Prevention and
Mitigation (DDPM),
Ministry of Interior, Thailand.

Thailand
1. General Information

1.1 Geographical data
The kingdom of Thailand lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, has a land area of
513,115 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 in Thailand is Doi Inthanon, at 2,565 meters (8,415 feet).
The lowest point is the Gulf of Thailand, at sea level.
Thailand is divided into four regions; the North, the Central or the Chao Phraya River
Basin, the Northeast or the Korat Pleateau 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
occasionally frequented 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)

1.3 Demographic data
Population Total 64,076,033 (in 2011), about 31 million males and 32 females.
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.
Religion Buddhists 94.2%, Muslims 4.6%, Christians 0.8%, others 0.4%.

1.4 Administrative divisions
Thailand is a constitutional monarchy under the beloved king, Bhumibol Adulyadej,
who has reigned since 1946. King Bhumibol is the world's longest-serving head of state.
Thailand's current Prime Minister is Yingluck Shinawatra, who assumed office as the firstever female in that role on August 5, 2011.
The country comprises 77 provinces (changwat) and Bangkok municipality.
The provinces are divided into 998 districts (amphoe), 8,860 rural administrative subdistricts(tambon).

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 andelected or appointed local administrative committees were allowed four-year terms. Central
government officials could not serve as local officials. Bangkok is a provincial-level entitywith an elected governor and the legislative Metropolitan Administration Council.
Supervision of provincial and local government takes place through the Department ofLocal Administration of the Ministry of Interior

2. Natural Hazards in Thailand
Generally, disaster can be categorized into two types: natural disaster and man-madedisaster. All the same, whenever the disaster occurred, it will main and kill people, destroy
property and environment and impede national sustainable development.
Besides, in the past two decades, also encountered numerous man-made disasters
such as industrial accident, chemical spill and chemical related plant explosion, urban fireand road accident as the undesirable consequences of rapid progress in economic andsocial development.
2.1 Natural Hazards Likely to Affect the Country
Thailand has several natural disasters such as floods, mudflows, windstorm,
drought, wildfire, earthquakes, unseasonal cold weather, and tsunami.
The recent earthquake occurred on the border of Myanmar and Thailand which was
felt as far away as Bangkok. In some parts of the South, flood waters have risen to 3
meters. Meanwhile in Thailand’s North East, there is a severe drought and in Northern
Thailand, temperatures have fallen to as low as 5°C at Doi Inthanon near Chiang Mai.
2.1.1 Natural Disaster, the Level of Disaster Intensity, vulnerability, managing
competence and risk Level of Thailand

DisasterSeverity

Vulnerability

Management

Tendency

Flood

High

MediumMediumHigh

Landslide/Mudflow

HighMediumPoor

High

Windstorm

MediumMediumMediumMediumDroughtHigh

MediumMediumMediumFire

High

MediumMediumMediumExplosiveHigh

MediumMediumMediumEarthquake

Low

Low

Poor

Medium

AccidentHigh

MediumPoor

High

TsunamiHigh

MediumMediumMediumSource: UNDP in 2002, DDPM Adjust in 2010

2.1.2 Rank Order of Risk of Disaster in Thailand

Type of Disasters

Rank

Numeric Weight

Flood

Accident

Explosive

TyphoonDrought

Fire

Land slide

Earthquake

Civil Unrest/Refugee Influx

Pests

Epidemic

high

high

high

moderate

moderate

moderate

moderate

moderate

moderate

moderate

low

2.39

2.37

2.34

2.31

2.24

2.20

2.15

1.97

Subjective

Source: UNDP in 2002, DDPM Adjust in 2010
2.1.3 Disaster Seasoning Calendar
The occurrences of natural disaster in Thailand are subject to seasonal
cycle Type of Disaster/Event Periods of Time (month) such as cold spell, drought, flood,
landslide and storm.

Type of Disaster

Disaster/Event

Natural

1. Cold spell

October - January

2. Drought

January - May

3. Flood

October – November and June -4. Landslide

Periods of Time (month)

September

5.Tropical Cyclone
6. Earthquake

October – November and June September January - May

7. Storm surgeYear – round surveillance
October – November

Natural/1. Forest fire

human inducedYear – round surveillance
Northern region April - May
Northern region November – May
Central region
Eastern region
Southern region

Source: Implementation Handbook 2009, DDPM.

March – May2.1.4 Statistics of Thailand caused the disaster and its impact in the past 10 years
is as follows.
1. Flooding, Thailand has floods every year. The damage is enormous.
Floods are caused by the influence of the low pressure groove power across the region.
Central and northeast monsoon and the southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea andthe Gulf of Thailand. The heavy rain and flooding made many people suffered and public
assets damage .However, flooding in the latter became more serious and the damage isvery high shown in the table below.

Table 1: The statistics data of the damages from floods during 2003-2011.
Year

Number(Time)

Damaged(Provinces)

InjuredDeathsCost(People)(People)(Million Bath)

2003

17

66

10

44

2,050.26

2004

12

59

3

28

850.65

2005

12

63

-

75

5,982.28

2006

6

58

1,462

446

9,627.41

2007

13

54

17

36

1,687.86

2008

6

65

16

113

7,601.79

2009

5

64

22

53

5,252.61

2010

7

74

1,665

266

16,338.73

2011

1

66

N/A

813

142,500

569

3,195

1,874

191,891.59(JULY 25,
2011-JAN, 2012)

Total

79

Source: www. Nirapai.com, DDPM.

2. Mudflow. There are threats of mudslides that occur in Thailand. In thepast, there was not much damage. Generally, mudslides occur simultaneously or occurring
after the flash flood. As a result of the storm caused heavy rains continued damage, themass of earth and stones, and therefore can not fully absorb the moves by the influence ofthe force of gravity. Current problems from mudslides occurred in more frequent andsevere. It is caused by human behavior, such as deforestation. Farming in areas prone tosoil degradation as a result of the increasing problems mudslides.

Table 2: The statistics data of the damages from mudflow during 1999-2010.
DamagedYear
1999

Provinces
Phetchaboon

InjuredDeathsCost(People)(People)(Million Bath)

N/A

10

N/A

N/A

43

100

109

136

645

391

5

N/A

N/A

83

308

N/A

6

N/A

N/A

2

N/A

N/A

14

N/A

N/A

12

N/A

More than 500

553(North of Thailand)
2000

Prea and Utaradit(North of Thailand)

2001

Phetchaboon(North of Thailand)

2004

Tak
(North of Thailand)

2006

Prea and Utaradit(North of Thailand)

2007

Phetchaboon(North of Thailand)

2008

Surattanee(South of Thailand)

2009

Naratiwat(South of Thailand)

2010

Yala and Naratiwat(South of Thailand)
Total

Source: Department of Mineral resources, www. Nirapai.com, DDPM.

More than 2,053

3. Windstorm is a natural phenomenon that has affected a wide area of hundredsof square kilometers. In particular, the center of the storm moves through the area will beaffected the most. Which often vary based on the severity of damage. When the storm has
weakened to a depression in the rain and often followed by floods. The storm has
weakened to a tropical storm or typhoons have caused many disasters and floods andhurricane storm surge swept to the side. This is dangerous and can cause severe damage.
A number of people have died in Thailand's disaster of a windstorm several times.

Table 3: The statistics data of the damages from windstorm during 2002-2011.
Year

Number(Time)

Damage(Provinces)

InjuredDeathsCost(People)(People)(Million Bath)

2002

594

67

11

18

213.34

2003

3,213

76

434

74

457.43

2004

3,834

76

63

73

398.41

2005

1,313

57

-

13

148.87

2006

1,883

65

39

29

92.24

2007

2,233

67

71

10

234.54

2008

1,995

65

30

15

227.54

2009

1,348

68

26

24

207.37

2010

2,192

69

174

30

198.84

2011

1,212

69

30

38

157.98

Total

19,817

679

878

324

2,336.56

Source: www. Nirapai.com, DDPM.

4. Fires, most caused by negligence such as a short circuit. The flames from the
explosion of a cooking or arson. For the collection Thailand reported fires not classified.
Building and caused by the fire. Nonetheless. The fire has caused loss of life andproperty of the people a lot.

Table 4: The statistics data of the damages from Fires during 2002-2011.
Year

Number(Time)

Damage(Provinces)

InjuredDeathsCost(People)(People)(Million Bath)

2002

1,135

74

150

24

805.81

2003

2,267

76

167

56

565.54

2004

1,727

76

69

31

487.02

2005

1,559

62

68

48

931.91

2006

1,734

66

66

37

1,083.84

2007

1,901

71

156

45

875.79

2008

1,696

61

92

30

1,424.89

2009

1,527

62

312

83

817.33

2010

1,903

66

83

29

1,283.78

2011

1,524

61

149

42

2,776.51

Total

16.973

675

1,312

425

11,052.42

Source: www. Nirapai.com, DDPM.

5. Drought, Thailand is agricultural water scarcity is a serious impact on the public.
Agriculture and changes in the weather conditions, the season is short. This means that thelong dry season and in areas of the country will have less rainfall. As a result, the amountof water in dams and reservoirs across the country were not enough for public consumption
and for agriculture. In particular, the area irrigated. The drought and water shortages.
People have to suffer with the suffering in many areas.

Table 5: The statistics data of the damages from Drought during 2002-2011.
Year

Number(Provinces)

DamagedPeoplePeopleFarmlandCost

effected

effected(Number of(Million Bath)(People)(Household)frams)

2002

68

12,841,110

2,939,139

2,071,560

508.782003

63

5,939,282

1,399,936

484,189174.33

2004

64

8,388,728

1,970,516

1,480,209

190.67

2005

71

11,147,627

2,768,919

13,736,660

7,565.86

2006

61

11,862,358

2,960,824

578,753498.26

2007

66

16,754,980

4,378,225

1,350,118

198.302008

61

135,298,895

3,531,570

524,999103.902009

62

17,353,358

4,500,861

594,434

108.35

2010

64

15,740,824

4,077,411

1,716,853

1,415.22

2011

54

11,597,941

5,140,316

169,324856.52

246,925,103

33,667,717

22,707,099

11,620.19

Total

Source: www. Nirapai.com, DDPM.

6. Coldspell, during the months of October to February each year the highpressure from China will extend into the mantle to cause the common cold, especially in themountain areas and high mountain peak is cold which affect their daily lives. The cause of
the outbreak was caused by the cold weather, such as respiratory diseases, flu and animal
disease outbreaks . The impact that people have suffered a lot.

Table 6: The statistics data of the damages from coldspell during 2002-2011.
Year

Provinces

People effectedHousehold(People)Cost(Bath)

2002

42

1,913,021

87,1229

N/A

2003

22

1,100,920

316,973

N/A

2004

32

1,246,112

521,225

N/A

2005

25

3,742,793

1,131,313

N/A

2006

47

2,303,703

821,999

N/A

2007

48

5,910,339

1,992,912

N/A

2008

49

9,554,992

3,780,051

N/A

2009

52

10,588,881

4,961,503

N/A

2010

52

10,609,301

4,961,525

N/A

2011

49

28,930,295

8,723,421

N/A

Total

418

75,900,357

28,082,151

N/A

Source: www. Nirapai.com, DDPM.

2.2 Recent Major Disasters
2011: Widespread flooding, the principle cause of the 2011 flooding in Thailand
was exacerbation of the La Niña phenomenon, which caused the rainy to materialize
sooner than usual, with an accumulation of rainfall extending from January throughOctober that was 35 percent greater than the average. During mid-2011 Thailand was
also hit by five tropical storms 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 thesituation .The plan for diverting floodwater to rivers and channels to the east and westof the Chao Praya Rivers, which flow down through the center of Thailand to the gulf ofThailand proved inadequate. In addition, private construction of water barriers reduced
the exist for the massive volume of flood water. The central region experienced themost prolonged period of flooding among regions. Uncoordinated management
impeded the flow of water to the Gulf of Thailand. The flooding damaged large areas ofagriculture 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.
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 by related La Niña monsoon rains. Although flooding is a common and annual
occurrence in this part of the world, a combination of inadequate drainage and having ahigher than average rainfall in the month of October and November 2010, catching thenation unprepared and led to disaster. The death toll in the country stands at 232 people.
According to the Thai government data the floods nearly affected 7 million people in morethan 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 have receded in 8 provinces leaving 30 provinces still affected
including 12 in the southern region of 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 in Thai at 07.58 a.m., of 26 December 2004, the massive earthquake magnitude of
9.0, the strongest 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
Andaman coastal 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. Death total 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 andincrease the resilience in the tsunami hit communities. The international communities,
NGOs and United Nations mechanisms also continue to endlessly support Thailand in thesehumanitarian assistance activities.

3. Disaster Management System

3.1 Disaster Management Law , Legal system, legal framework
3.1.1 The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Act 2007:
The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Act 2007 (DPM Act) has replaced theold and outdated 1979 Civil Defense Act and the 1999 Fire Prevention and Suppression Act,
entering into force on 6 November 2007.
It stipulates the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM)
as the core government department in handling national disaster management work. Also it
authorizes local governments to take responsibility of disaster management in theirrespective areas, in line with the Provincial Plan.
The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Act 2007 (DPM Act) has 4 prominent
features, including
1) Introducing 3 main policy - making and planning bodies including National,
Provincial and Bangkok Metropolitan,
2) Having Prime Minister or an designated Deputy Minister as the National
Commander,3) Empowering Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) as
the core government agency in handling national disaster management work, and
4) Authorizing local governments to take responsibility of disastermanagement in their respective areas, in line with the Provincial Plan.

According to the new DPM Act, disaster can be classified into 3 categories namely:
1) Man-made and natural disasters;2) Disaster resulted from air raid during wartime; and
3) Disaster resulted from sabotage or terrorist attack.
In terms of policy making, there are 3 levels:
1) National, which is chaired by the Prime Minister or a designated Deputy Minister
2) Provincial, which is chaired by Provincial Governor
3) Bangkok Metropolitan Administration level, which is chaired by the Bangkok
Governor.
Each of three policy - making organs is composed of the committee as follows:
1) The National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Committee (NDPMC)
2) The Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Committee
3) The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Committee
3.2 Structure of Disaster Management
Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Act B. E. 2550 (2007) has explicitly prescribedand explicated disaster management arrangement that encompasses the types of disaster,
policy guideline, operating procedure as well as coordinating procedure as illustrated
in chart 1.1 :(1) The Prime Minister is a chairman of National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation
Committee. In case of extreme large – scale disaster the Prime Minister has been
empowered to command National Commander, Director, state agency, and local
administration organization to handle disaster situation.
(2) National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Committee, which is chaired by thePrime Minister or the entrusted Deputy Prime Minister is obligated to lay down a policy forthe formulation of National Disaster Prevention Mitigation Plan and integrate thedevelopment of disaster management system. Department of Disaster Prevention and
Mitigation as the Secretariat of National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Committee has
been tasked to formulate the aforesaid plan in conjunction with relevant government
agencies including the representatives from local administration organization.
(3) The National Safety Council of Thailand is the main body responsible forformulating the accident – related policy and developing safety mind. Department ofDisaster Prevention and Mitigation as well functions as the Secretariat of National Safety Councilof Thailand.
(4) All disaster operations related command, order and management at national,
provincial/Bangkok Metropolis and local levels must precede according to the Act as
illustrated in chart 1.1

Chart 1.1 Current Disaster Management Arrangements in Thailand

The Prime
Order

ReportCoordinate

NDPMC

NSCT
Assist Request

Coordinate

NC

DDPM

Order

Monitoring

Ministry/Department

International
Order

AgencyCoordinate

CD
Order
Reque

DPMRC 1-18

Near by PD

Order

AssistRequestNear by DD/LD

Response Unit

AssistOrder

AssistAssistPD or BMD

Assist(Director)

Response/Relief Unit

(Order – incase

RequestMob

Armed Forces

RequestPrivate Sector/

DD/BMD/LD

RequestSupportof MOD)

Order

Foundation
Civil Defence

Order

Order

VolunteerSupportResponse Unit

Disaster Stricken Area

ResponseUnit

ResponseUnit

Table 7: Component of National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Committee and its roles

National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Committee and its roles
Committee Members
1. Chairman:- Prime Minister or Deputy Prime
Minister as assigned
2. Vice Chairman 1 - Minister of Ministry ofInterior; Vice Chairman 2 - Permanent
Secretary - Ministry of Interior
3. Committee:-Permanent Secretary

Mission
1. Establish the National Disaster
Prevention and Mitigation Policy forestablishing the master plan.
2. Approve the National Disaster Prevention
and Mitigation Plan before submission to
the cabinet.

- Ministry of Defence; - Permanent Secretary

3. Integration and develop the Disaster- Ministry of Social Development and Human

Prevention and Mitigation Plan of

Security; - Permanent Secretary

government agencies, local government- Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives; -agencies and private agencies.

Permanent Secretary

4. Provide advice, consultation and support- Ministry of Transportations; - Permanent

the implementation of Disaster

Secretary - Ministry of Natural Resources

Prevention and Mitigation’s mission

and Environment;- Permanent Secretary -5. Regulate the rules of remuneration,

Ministry of Information and Communicationcompensation and any expenses of theTechnology; - Permanent Secretary -Disaster Prevention and Mitigation

Ministry of Public Health; - Director of theimplementation

Bureau of the Budget; -Commander-in-Chief

6. Perform other missions as mentioned inof the Royal Thai Police; - Supreme

this Act or other Acts or assigned by theCommander;- Commander-in-Chief of the

Cabinet.

Royal Thai Air Force; - Commander-in-Chiefof the Royal Thai Army;- Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai
Navy;
- Secretary-General National
Security Council;- and not more than five qualified persons
appointed by the Cabinets as committee
members.
4. Secretary: The Director General, DDPM,
5. Assistant Secretary: 2 DDPM Officers

3.3

National Civil Defence Committee (NCDC)
It coordinates all activities relevant to civil defence and disaster management.

The National Civil Defence Committee performs all functions relevant to management ofdisaster at national level, such as formulation of Civil Defence Master Plan, evaluation of
the implementation of the above-mentioned plan by an audit mission, organizing annual
or periodical training courses on civil defence and disaster management for government
officials at all levels and for the general public, issuing regulations on the payment of
remuneration, compensation and other expenditures relevant to civil defence anddisaster management activities carried out by all agencies concerned.
3.4 National Safety Council of Thailand (NSCT)
Apart from National Civil Defence Committee, Thailand has another disastermanagement related mechanism which has highlighted its tasks and responsibility on
man-made disaster management only, that is “The National Safety Council of Thailand”(NSCT). The NSCT has been established in 1982 on the ground of the problem of roadtraffic accidents in Thailand which annually resulted in the tremendous loss of lives,properties and national economy. Later on, its responsibilities have been extended to cover
the prevention of chemical accident, occupational accident, accident in home and publicvenues, considering preventive measure of fire in high-rise building, accident prevention in
subway tunnel construction, providing education of safety etc.
3.5 National Disaster Warning Center
The National Disaster Warning Center was established under the Order of the Officeof the Prime Minister. 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 ofpeople into safe places. This is to prevent the loss of people’s lives and properties as muchas possible. From now on, the National Disaster Warning Center will be developed,
upgraded of its early warning system and extended its telecommunication networks to beable to cope with multi-hazards disasters apart from Tsunami. Now, NDWC had transferred
to be under of the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology.

3.6 Implementing Mechanism Arrangement
The following implementing mechanisms will be established to undertake disastermanagement responsibilities.
3.6.1 National Command Headquarters
The power and duty of National Command Headquarters are to direct, control,
oversee, supervise, and coordinate disaster operations undertaken by Emergency
Operations Centers of all levels. The Headquarters is headed by the Minister of Ministry ofInterior as National Commander and other functioning staffs which comprise permanent
secretary for Ministry of Interior as the Deputy National Commander, director general of
Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation as the Central Director, therepresentatives from every government agency, public enterprise and the designatedprivate entity. The main administration staffs of the headquarters will be the personnel from
Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.
3.6.2 Local Command Center
This category of center includes:(1) Tambon Administration Organization Command Center is headed bychief executive of tambon administration organization (TAO) as the Director, otherfunctioning staffs of the center comprise TAO clerk as the Deputy Local Director, sub - district
headman, village headman and the representatives from private sector located withintambon jurisdiction. This first response mechanism is responsible for disaster operations
within tambon jurisdiction.
(2) Municipality Command Center is headed by the mayor as Director; otherfunctioning staffs of the center comprise municipal Clerk as the Deputy Director, chiefs ofdifferent divisions of municipality and the designated private sector’s representatives. This
first response mechanism is responsible for disaster operations within its jurisdiction.
(3) Pattaya City Command Center is headed by Pattaya City mayor as the
Director, other functioning staffs of this center comprise Pattaya City clerk as the Deputy
Director, chiefs of different divisions of Pattaya City office and the designated private sector’s
representatives. This first response mechanism is responsible for disaster prevention andmitigation operations within its jurisdiction.
(4) District Command Center is headed by district chief as the District
Director, other functioning staffs of this center comprise district clerk, chiefs of different
divisions of district office, representatives of the local administration organization andprivate sector located in district jurisdiction. The main function of this center is to carry out
disaster operations within the district jurisdiction and to assist the provincial disaster
operations.

(5) Bangkok Metropolitan District Command Center is headed by each
Bangkok Metropolitan District Director as the Bangkok Metropolitan Assistant Director. Thiscenter is responsible for conducting disaster operations within district jurisdiction as well as
assisting Bangkok Metropolitan Director. All officials of divisions and sectors of Bangkok
Metropolitan district office and the representatives from public sector within its jurisdiction are
the functioning staffs of this center. In addition, this center is obliged to assist Bangkok
Metropolitan Administration in managing a disaster within Bangkok Metropolitan
jurisdiction.
(6) Provincial Command Center is headed by provincial governor as theProvincial Director, and deputy provincial governor whom entrusted by provincial governor
including chief executive of provincial administration organization are Deputy Provincial
Directors. The functioning staffs comprise the chiefs of different government offices locatedin the province and the representatives from designated public and private enterprises.
(7) Bangkok Metropolitan Command Center is headed by Bangkok
Metropolitan governor as the Bangkok Metropolitan Director, and a permanent secretary for
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration as the Bangkok Metropolitan Deputy Director. Thiscenter is responsible for disaster operations within Bangkok Metropolitan jurisdiction.
Tasks of Local Command Center(1) Direct, control, perform and coordinate disaster management activities within
the area under responsibility.
(2) Provide support to adjacent and other Command Centers upon request.
(3) Coordinate with government agencies and other relevant public enterprises
located in the area under responsibility including private sector for cooperation on disastermanagement.
When a disaster occurs or is imminent in area under responsibility, therespective Command Center is obliged to establish Emergency Operations Center toprovide assistance to the people in short notice.

The structure of implementing mechanism arrangement is illustrated in chart 1.2
Chart 1.2 Implementing Mechanism Arrangement3.7 Priority on disaster reduction management
Priority on disaster risk management
Thailand urgently needs to reform disaster management systems and mechanisms
as follows:
1) Public Awareness and Education. Improve public safety of every sector
particularly those who are living with risk by enhancing people’s understanding of the threats
posed by various types of disasters.
2) Materializing Early Warning Systems: Following the catastrophic tsunami
disaster in 2004, Thailand took immediate action to establish National Disaster Warning
Center, which covers the warning of both natural and man-made disasters.
3) Establishing More International Disaster Management Networks: Thailand needs toenhance the country’s disaster management capacity and efficiency through the mobilizationof technical assistance from foreign countries, particularly from developed and advanced
countries.
4) Effective Damage Assessment: Remote Survey technology must be introduced
to effectively assess the damages caused by large scale disaster. The staff of the agencies
concerned needs to be trained to enhance their capacity in applying satellite images toassess the damage.
5) Application of Community-Centered Approach: Local Authority and community
are in the front line in the event of disaster occurrence, consequently, they are the mostvulnerable and effected. It is indispensable to enhance their potentials in responding todisasters, and to equip them with awareness and preparedness.
6) Highlight on Preventive Approach: The new approach of disaster management
has shifted its focus from “assistance” or “relief” to “prevention”. In this regard, risk reduction
to be vigorously taken into account. So as to reduce the risk, both structural andnon-structural measures should be materialized, thus, the cost of risk reduction will yield
invaluable rate of return when compared with the cost of disaster damage.
7) The Focus on Prevention: Proactive disaster management can reduce thedamage and impact substantially.
8) The Focus on Public Participation: The past disaster management in Thailand
had underlined the roles of government agencies and simply ignored private sectors, non –government organization, communities and even the public. Unfortunately, there has been alack of cooperation among agencies concerned. This is a real challenge for DDPM to bringthese stakeholders together.
9) The Focus on Unity in Management: The application of the Incident Command
System (ICS) will demonstrate unity in management.
10) The Focus on Efficient Communication: The efficient communication system
consists of the major system and the reserved system, which are vital for disastermanagement.

11) The Focus on Human Resource Development: Human resource development isa key factor for disaster management.
12) Livelihood Rehabilitation: Livelihood rehabilitation activities such as community
development, vocational training, improving the standards of living should be immediatelymaterialized to normalize disaster victims’ means of living.
3.8 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 fordisaster 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 toundertake 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 Chainat17) Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Regional Center, Zone 17 Chanthaburi18) Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Regional Center, Zone 18 Phuket
In 2004, Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Academy (DPMA) has been establishedand 6 campus in Prachinburi, Songkhla, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Phuket, Phitsanulok which
is currently conducting training for its own staffs, some government stakeholders and privateorganization.
DDPM’s responsibility:
1. Materializing disaster and civil emergency prevention and warning Systems andcreating 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 disasterprevention, mitigation, suppression and for relief operation.
4. Rehabilitation of damaged public utilities, physical and mental recuperation of disastervictim, and restoration of livelihood. All these activities are carried out on thorough,equitable and rapid 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 of Meteorological and Department of Mineral Resources, DDPM will
immediately relay to the risk province to further warn the people of the hazard or evacuate
the people.

(2) Directing Unit: The National Committee will set up “Operation Center” tomanage disaster(3) Providing relief operation to the affected people thoroughly and rapidly.
(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 toutilize 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 strike as “a warning”
3. Recovery Phase: DDPM is responsible for(1) Providing relief to affected people: Provincial/District/Local authorities
assess the damages 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 allagencies concerned to collect all relevant information on long-term rehabilitation projects
and further submit for cabinet’s approval

4. Disaster Management Strategy, Policy, and Plan
Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) as the Secretariat of the
National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Committee (NDPMC), has the responsibility todevise the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Plan. This is to be done by conferringwith relevant government agencies, local administrations, and private sectors. Once the
National Plan is approved, it will be used as a master plan, upon which the provincial
and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration will be based. The national plan will be in service
for the period of 3 years. DDPM is to make sure that the new plan for the next 3 years isready for use accordingly. According to the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Act
2007, the three - level plan shall have substantial parts as shown in the following table.

National plan

Provincial Plan

BMA Plan(1) Guide lines, measures(1) The setting up of(1) establishment ofand adequate budget toSpecial Command

command center where

support disaster prevention

Center when everdisaster occurred forand mitigation operations

disasters strike, that

construction andsystemically andcenter shall beauthorization forcontinuously

constructed and has

disaster prevention

authorities to commandand mitigationand oversee disaster

operation

prevention andmitigation operations andactivities(2) Guide lines and methods(2) Plan and(2) plan and process

for providing aids andprocedures for local

to procure materials ,mitigate the impacts ofadministrations fortools , equipment, anddisasters in both short andprocuring tools,

vehicle for disasterlong term, together withequipments, materials,

prevention and mitigation

evacuation procedures of

hardware and vehicles

effected people, government

in disaster prevention

services, and other local

and mitigation operations

administrations, supports
effected people on their
public health, public utilities
and communication system(3)Relevant government(3) Plan and procedures for(3) plan and process

agencies and local

local administrations forto procure signaling devices

administrations shallprocuring an early warningor others for notifying theproceed all operations

system and otheroccurrence and expectation

under (1) and (2), and shallequipments to informof a disasterseek for availability andpeople and communities onmobility of fundincoming disasters

National plan

Provincial Plan

BMA Plan(4)Preparedness(4) Operation plan for(4) Bangkok Disasterperspectives on support

disaster prevention

Prevention andpersonnel, equipments andand mitigation at local

Mitigation Action

other materials toadministrations

Operation Plan

(5) Guide line on fixing,(5) Cooperation plan to(5) Coordination Plan

recovery andother relevant publicwith Public Charity

restoration to community

charities.

Organizations in Bangkok

deploy upon disasterprevention andmitigation operations, andcapacity building of
those personnel and otherpeople shall be
includedright after disaster

Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, as the Secretariat of the National
Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Committee, has the responsibility to revise the National
Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Plan. The national master plan will be in service for theperiod of 3 years. DDPM is to make sure that the new plan for the next 3 years is ready for
use accordingly.

National Master Plan for Disaster Prevention and Mitigation
comprises 3 parts:
Part I: Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Principle: comprises 9 chapters, including(1) Disaster Situation and Management System(2) Policy, Vision, Objectives, and Goals(3) Strategies, Work Plan and Countermeasures(4) Disaster prevention and Mitigation(5) Disaster Preparedness(6) Management during disaster emergency(7) Post Disaster Management(8) Roles of relevant agencies(9) Implementation

Part II: Standard Operating Procedures for Disasters. This part comprises 14 chapters:(10) Flood and Landslide(11) Tropical Cyclone(12) Urban Fire(13) Chemicals and hazardous materials(14) Transportation – related accidents(15) Drought(16) Cold Snap
(17) Haze and wild Fire(18) Earthquake and collapse Building(19) Tsunami(20) Human epidemic(21) Plant epidemic(22) Animal epidemic(23) Cyber terrorism
Part III: Disaster Prevention and Mitigation in the Aspect of National Security Issues
comprise 5 chapters.
(24) Principle of National security(25) Prevention and Suppression of sabotage(26) Prevention and Mitigation of Disaster caused by Mines(27) Prevention and Mitigation of Disaster caused by Air Raid
(28) Prevention and Suppression of Riot and Violent Protest
Civil Defense for Security (Rear-Area Protection) Component:
This component comprises 6 chapters:(1) Civil Defence for Security(2) Disaster Prevention and Mitigation during War-Time (Rear-Area Protection)(3) Sabotage Prevention and Suppression(4) Prevention and Mitigation of Disaster Resulted from Landmine and Torpedo(5) Air-Raid Disaster Prevention and Mitigation(6) Civil Unrest Prevention and Suppression
DDPM has listed 29 disaster threats in the National Master Plan for Disaster Prevention
and Mitigation. This is to be done by conferring with relevant government agencies, local
14 administrations and private sectors. Once the National Plan is approved, it will be used
as amaster plan, upon which the provincial and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration will bebased.

5. Budget Size on National Level

Year

THB

USD(ml)JPN(ml)2003

1,066,412,900

35.02

2,797

2004

1,312,578,500

43.10

3,443

2005

1,685,362,700

55.34

4,421

2006

2,437,850,700

80.06

6,395

2007

1,948,805,800

64.00

5,112

2008

2,184,972,800

71.75

5,734

2009

2,315,783,900

76.05

6,074

2010

2,541,163,000

82.90

6,614

2011

2,541,163,300

82.90

6,614

2012

3,918,637,000

130.05

12,743

Source: DDPM

(1 USD = 30.09THB, 100JPN= 32.52 THB)

6. Progress of the Implementation of Hyogo Framework for Action(HFA)
The progress on implementation of Hyogo Framework for action (HFA) 2005 – 2015:
Building the resilience of Nations and Communities to Disasters. To achieve the goal of HFA
is “sustainable reduction of disaster losses, in lives and in social, economic andenvironmental assets.” In adopting the Hyogo Framework, Thai government; DDPM
committed to five priorities for action; sets out the required actions – collectively known as“ disaster risk reduction” – measures that be continuously implemented in order to achieve
resilience to future hazards. Thailand had submitted its national progress report on theimplementation of the HFA on April 05, 2011. Department of Disaster Prevention and
Mitigation is the National Focal Point for the HFA and it coordinates implementation within
the country. The following is a summary of National progress report on the implementationof the Hyogo framework for Action (2009-2011), reported by Department of Disaster
Prevention and Mitigation.
Outcomes for 2007-2009
Area 1 The more effective integration of disaster risk considerations into sustainable
development policies, planning and programming at all levels, with a special emphasis on
disaster prevention, mitigation, preparedness and vulnerability reduction.

Outcomes:
Disaster risk reduction is being adopted and integrated into national development plans.
The DRR is being incorporated in the strategy of managing natural resources andenvironment

towards sustainability under the 11th National Economic and Social

Development Plan 2012-2016, which is going to be the framework for medium term national
development towards the vision of “A Happy Society with Equity, Fairness, and Resilience”.
The plan provides guideline for natural disaster preparedness, including hazard mapping at
national, regional, and provincial level and prioritization of identified hazards, in order todevelop proper preventive and mitigating structural and non-structural measures with theemphasis on both social and economic aspects.
Area 2 The development and strengthening of institutions, mechanisms and capacities
at all levels, in particular at the community level, that can systematically contribute to building
resilience to hazards.
Outcomes:
Existing mechanisms stated in the national disaster prevention and mitigation plan 2010 2014 are being adopted and executed in a more integrated and holistic fashion in order tocreate and strengthen disaster warning and assessment networks, as well as to encourage
people’s participation in disaster reduction activities at all levels. In the mean time, the new
Frameworks and mechanisms are going to support capacity development of the existingmechanisms on a regular basis. This is to ensure the creation of “A Happy Society with
Equity, Fairness, and Resilience”.
Area 3 The systematic incorporation of risk reduction approaches into the design andimplementation of emergency preparedness, response and recovery programmes in thereconstruction of affected communities.
Outcomes:
National risk reduction and risk management frameworks are translated into action at
provincial and local level through a series of planning training, and a periodical plan
monitoring and evaluation. In parallel with plan translation at local level, every risk prone
village are being educated and trained using community-based disaster risk management
approach (CBDRM) to enhance those villagers’ capacity in properly handling with local
hazards and disasters before outside assistance arrives. Based on each community’s
cultural, social, and economic structure, the risk prone community is going to have its own
disaster prevention and mitigation action plan which includes its hazards map, risks
assessment, organizational structure, warning system and protocols, and drill procedures.

Priority for action 1: Ensure that disaster risk reduction is a national and a local priority
with a strong institutional basis for implementation.

Core Indicator

Level of

Progress

Progressachieved
1. National policy and legal framework for4

Substantial achievement attained but withdisaster risk reduction exists withrecognized limitations in key aspects,

decentralised responsibilities andsuch as financial resources and/ or

capacities at all levels.

operational capacities

2. Dedicated and adequate resources are

3

Institutional commitment attained, butavailable to implement disaster risk

achievements are neither comprehensive

reduction plans and activities at all

nor substantial

administrative levels
3. Community Participation and4

Substantial achievement attained but withdecentralisation is ensured through therecognized limitations in key aspects,

delegation of authority and resources tosuch as financial resources and/ or

local levels

operational capacities

4. A national multi sectoral platform for4

disaster risk reduction is functioning.

Substantial achievement attained but withrecognized limitations in key aspects,
such as financial resources and/ or
operational capacities

Priority for action 2: Identify, assess and monitor disaster risks and enhance early warningCore Indicator

Level of

Progress

Progressachieved
1. National and local risk assessments

3

Institutional commitment attained, but

based on hazard data and vulnerability

achievements are neither comprehensive

information are available and include risk

nor substantial

assessments for key sectors.
2. Systems are in place to monitor, archive3

Institutional commitment attained, but

and disseminate data on key hazards andachievements are neither comprehensive

vulnerabilities

nor substantial

3. Early warning systems are in place for all

3

Institutional commitment attained, but

major hazards, with outreach toachievements are neither comprehensive

communities.

nor substantial

4. National and local risk assessments take3

Institutional commitment attained, but

account of regional / trans boundary risks,achievements are neither comprehensivewith a view to regional cooperation on risk

nor substantial

reduction.

Priority for action 3: Use knowledge, innovation and education to build a culture ofsafety and resilience at all levels
Core Indicator

Level of

Progress

Progressachieved
1. Relevant information on disasters is

4

Substantial achievement attained but withavailable and accessible at all levels, to allrecognized limitations in key aspects,

stakeholders (through networks,

such as financial resources and/ or

development of information sharing

operational capacities

systems etc)
2. School curricula, education material and3Institutional commitment attained, but

relevant trainings include disaster risk

achievements are neither comprehensive

reduction and recovery concepts andnor substantial

practices.
3. Research methods and tools for multirisk

4

Substantial achievement attained but withassessments and cost benefit analysis arerecognized limitations in key aspects,

developed and strengthened.

such as financial resources and/ or
operational capacities

4. Countrywide public awareness strategy

4

Substantial achievement attained but withexists to stimulate a culture of disasterrecognized limitations in key aspects,

resilience, with outreach to urban and ruralsuch as financial resources and/ orcommunities.

operational capacities

Priority for action 4: Reduce the underlying risk factors
Core Indicator

Level of

Progress

Progressachieved
1. Disaster risk reduction is an integral

4

Substantial achievement attained but with

objective of environment related policies

recognized limitations in key aspects,

and plans, including for land use natural

such as financial resources and/ or

resource management and adaptation tooperational capacities

climate change.
2. Social development policies and plans

3

Institutional commitment attained, but

are being implemented to reduce theachievements are neither comprehensive

vulnerability of populations most at risk.

nor substantial

3. Economic and productive sectorial

2

policies and plans have been implemented

Some progress, but without systematic
policy and/ or institutional commitment

to reduce the vulnerability of economic
activities
4. Planning and management of human4

Substantial achievement attained but withsettlements incorporate disaster risk

recognized limitations in key aspects,

reduction elements, including enforcement

such as financial resources and/ orof building codes.

operational capacities

5. Disaster risk reduction measures are

3

Institutional commitment attained, but

integrated into post disaster recovery andachievements are neither comprehensive

rehabilitation processes

nor substantial

6. Procedures are in place to assess the4

Substantial achievement attained but withdisaster risk impacts of major development

recognized limitations in key aspects,

projects, especially infrastructure.

such as financial resources and/ or
operational capacities

Priority for action 5: Strengthen disaster preparedness for effective response at all levels
Core Indicator

Level of

Progress

Progressachieved
1. Strong policy, technical and institutional4

Substantial achievement attained but withcapacities and mechanisms for disasterrecognized limitations in key aspects,

risk management, with a disaster risksuch as financial resources and/ or

reduction perspective are in place.

operational capacities

2. Disaster preparedness plans and4

Substantial achievement attained but with

contingency plans are in place at all

recognized limitations in key aspects,

administrative levels, and regular training

such as financial resources and/ or

drills and rehearsals are held to test andoperational capacities

develop disaster response programmes.
3. Financial reserves and contingency

5Comprehensive achievement withmechanisms are in place to support

sustained commitment and capacities at

effective response and recovery when

all levels

required.
4. Procedures are in place to exchange

4

Substantial achievement attained but with

relevant information during hazard events

recognized limitations in key aspects,

and disasters, and to undertake post-event

such as financial resources and/ or

reviews

operational capacities

The Government of Thailand is indeed committed to disaster risk reduction and will continue
its efforts towards implementing the priority areas of the HFA both at national andinternational levels and acknowledge the ongoing effort by UNISDR to promote andaccelerate the implementation of the HFA.

7. Recent Projects on Disaster Risk Reduction

7.1 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
were completed and have been assigned to be SAR instructors ; at district level, district SAR
team have been trained to become instructors as well ; at Tambon level (Thailand’s
administrative unit in between district and village). Nowadays, OTOS program is completedwith 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.

7.2 Disaster Management Training for managers, practicioners,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 thefield of disaster management. DPMA has coordinated with the agencies and developed
countries including international organizations to develop curricula and mobilize thetechnology and knowhow for standardize training. The courses will be organized to serve
the capacity of the government officers, local administration officers and private sector who
are in charge of the disaster 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 and Disaster Management.

7.3 Community-Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM) Program
DDPM has adopted and applied this appropriate people participatory approachto generate the awareness among the general public and mobilize their participation in
every phase of disaster management so as to build safer and resilient community. In thepast year, DDPM collaborates with various government agencies, local authorities, NGOs
and international organization. This program will be jointly organized on the continuous tocover all vulnerable communities nation-wide. Nowadays, CBDRM program is completedwith 8,000 vulnerable communities from 26,000 vulnerable communities.

7.4 “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 aredesignated as “Mr. Warning” and assigned to be the “vigilant”, “forewarner” and“coordinator” in emergency and non-emergency situation respectively. This program
has been in concerted with 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 to be trained in this programme.
7.5 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 ineach Regional Center of DDPM. Each ERT will consist 10 members, including one (1)team leader, three (3) for planning, and six (6) for operation. Team leader will be thechief officer to coordinate with Provincial Director and officers of the Ad-Hoc Directing
Center in case of disaster occurring.

7.6 Development of Civil Defence Volunteer Network Program
The main objective of this program is to increase the number ofcommunity-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 based in their community and are on stand-by to besummoned all time. Nowadays, Civil Defence Volunteer Network Program is completedwith 1,106,465 trained people.

8. Counterpart of ADRC

Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Ministry of Interior
Address: 3/12 U-Thong Nok Road, Dusit, Bangkok 10300 THAILAND.
Website: www.disaster.go.th.
References
1. http://www.wikipedia.com
2. http://www.disaster.go.th
3. http://www.nirapai.com
4. Phatsita Rerngnirunsathit, 2011, Thailand Country Report 2011
5. Amorntip Paksuchon,2010, Thailand Country Report 2010
6. DDPM, 2009, Thailand’s Master Plan for Disaster Prevention and Mitigation
7. DDPM, 2009, Strategic National Action Plan (SNAP) on Disaster Risk Reduction
2010-2019
8. DDPM, 2008, Handbook of Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation
9. DDPM, 2007, Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Act B.E.2550, Bangkok
10. Pinta, Arun, 2007, Report on Thailand’s Disaster Management System