The event, held at Phuket Provincial Hall on Thursday (Jan 16), was presided over by Phuket Vice Governor Ronnarong Thipsir. Key participants included Sopon Thongsai, Chief of the Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office (DDPM Phuket), along with representatives from various government agencies.
The CPX involved provincial, district and local administrative organisations working collaboratively to simulate emergency scenarios. District-level exercises were held at respective district offices, while local administrative organisations conducted their drills at their designated emergency operations centres.
The aim was to integrate efforts across agencies and improve the effectiveness of emergency responses under the Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Plan.
A virtual simulation was a central component of the exercise, allowing participants to practice coordination, operational procedures, and problem-solving in realistic disaster scenarios. This approach aimed to enhance the province’s capacity to handle emergencies and mitigate potential impacts on the public, explained an official report of the event.
The exercise used the simulation that a Tropical Storm called ‘Longan’ was intensifying and could escalate into a typhoon. With ‘Longan’ located near southern China, the storm was projected to approach southern Vietnam between July 19-20, 2025, in the middle of Phuket’s southwestern monsoon season.
While contending with that scenario, thrown into the mix was the simulation that a strong southwest monsoon was over the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, causing heavy rainfall, flash floods and strong waves, with the scenario having waves reach up to three metres high.
The goals of the exercise were given as:
- Test and refine disaster response and relief plans for storms, floods and mudslides.
- Evaluate the operational readiness of government agencies, foundations and volunteers.
- Enhance the skills and efficiency of personnel across all sectors.
- Identify and address gaps in coordination and improve operational plans.
- Clearly define roles and responsibilities for all participants in disaster scenarios.
The exercise included presentations of the disaster response plan via PowerPoint, hands-on problem-solving based on simulated incidents, and collaborative discussions among agencies.
“This exercise is a vital step in ensuring that all agencies can work efficiently together in the face of disasters,” said Vice Governor Ronnarong. “By emphasising clear communication and effective coordination, we aim to minimise risks to the public and strengthen confidence in Phuket’s disaster management system,” he added.
Feedback from participants was collected to refine and enhance the action plan, ensuring it remains comprehensive and adaptable to current challenges, the official report concluded.