Phuket agencies test emergency radio networks in disaster drill
A workshop in Phuket used simulated disaster scenarios to test radio-based coordination and backup communications between government agencies, broadcasters and relief organisations.
Phuket agencies tested emergency radio networks during a disaster communications workshop held at NH Boat Lagoon Phuket Resort on 21 August.
The workshop was organised by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) Region 4 and NBTC District 42. Mahama Kaje, acting director of the NBTC Region 4 Office, presided over the opening.
The exercise examined procedures for receiving alerts, reporting incidents, sharing information and supporting disaster warnings. It included a Table Top Exercise (TTX), in which participants simulated disaster scenarios and tested coordination through radio communication networks.
The exercise also clarified participating agencies’ roles and responsibilities and assessed the readiness of personnel, equipment and communications systems.
Organisers highlighted radio communications as a backup when telephone services or normal telecommunications networks are unavailable or disrupted during a disaster. The networks are intended to allow incident reports and situation updates to continue reaching operational units and the public when conventional communications are not functioning normally.
Participants included representatives from the NBTC, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, local administrative organisations, government agencies, radio broadcasters, telecommunications operators, amateur radio associations, disaster relief foundations and citizen band radio networks.
Kiattisak Boprom, senior operational engineer and acting director of NBTC District 42; Dachanee Satchaboonthavee, director of Radio Thailand Phuket; and Warat Surawadee, head of the Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, attended along with representatives of other agencies.
