More than 800 join disaster response exercise in Patong
A Phuket exercise tested emergency coordination, evacuation procedures, temporary shelter operations and public communications during a simulated Level 2 disaster.
More than 800 personnel took part in a disaster response exercise in Patong designed to test Phuket’s emergency command system and coordination between government agencies.
The exercise was organised at the Deevana Plaza Phuket Patong Hotel and in areas of Patong Municipality. Participants included government agencies, military and police units, local administrative organisations, the Red Cross, Royal Volunteer Corps 904, foundations and other partner agencies.
Vice Governor Pol Lt Col Khetarat Chansilp, acting security advisor to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, presided over the opening after being assigned by Phuket Governor Chotinrin Kerdsum. Patong Mayor Lalita Maneesri welcomed participants at the ceremony.
The exercise tested Phuket’s Incident Command System, emergency response plans and standard operating procedures, as well as coordination between provincial, district and local command centres. Officials said the exercise was intended to clarify agencies’ responsibilities and improve their ability to work together during a Level 2 disaster under the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Plan.
Phuket’s hilly terrain and coastal areas are exposed to heavy rainfall during the southwest monsoon, creating risks including flash floods, strong winds and landslides. Such events can block roads, damage homes and infrastructure, and threaten residents and tourists.
The morning session was a tabletop exercise at the hotel, simulating the establishment of an incident command centre and coordination between participating agencies. The afternoon field drill covered three locations in Patong.
One scenario involved a landslide and search-and-rescue operation in front of the Wang Kee Oan Waterfall Learning Center. Another tested evacuation routes and traffic management along Pisitkoranee Rd. The third involved setting up a temporary shelter at Wat Suwan Khiri Wong, including care for evacuees and management of public health issues.
Representatives of Royal Thai Navy Region 3, the Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, district-level incident command teams, local government agencies, private-sector organisations and residents also attended.
The exercise tested inter-agency communications through a Joint Information Center mechanism for coordinating press briefings and releases about the simulated incidents. Officials said the system was intended to provide accurate, timely and consistent information during an emergency and reduce confusion among residents and tourists.
After the exercise, officials held a “Hot Wash” to review the operation and identify problems and gaps. The findings will be used to improve Phuket’s emergency response plans and standard operating procedures.
