The full-scale drill took place at 1:30pm, beginning at a temporary stage set up near the ‘Bangla Police Box’ on Patong Beach.
Patong Mayor Lalita Maneesri welcomed participants before Phuket Provincial ‘Palad’ (Chief Administrative Officer) Thiraphong Chuaychu presided over the opening ceremony.
As part of the event, certificates were presented to participating agencies to recognise their involvement in the 2025 tsunami-risk evacuation exercise.
Also attending were Kathu District Chief Kathu District Chief Akkarapol Suttirak Jitsupap, Phuket MP Chalermpong Saengdee, Patong Municipality Council members, senior government officials, emergency personnel, private-sector representatives, associations, volunteers and local residents and tourists.
Organised by the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Division of Patong Municipality, in cooperation with multiple agencies, the exercise simulated a real-life tsunami threat scenario. The drill began with the activation of an earthquake and tsunami warning, followed by a coordinated evacuation from Patong Beach and Bangla Police Box via the designated route through Soi Bangla to Soi Saen Sabai, concluding at the Soi Saen Sabai parking area.
Officials said the drill aimed to familiarise residents, businesses, and tourists with the evacuation plan, and train them to help themselves and assist others during a crisis. The exercise also aimed to reduce fear, improve readiness, and ultimately limit the potential loss of life and property.
“This kind of training helps people understand what to do in the event of an emergency,” Mayor Lalita said. “It gives people the knowledge to protect themselves and others, and promotes peace of mind for both locals and visitors.”
Earlier yesterday morning, at 9am, a theoretical training session on tsunami evacuation procedures was held in the meeting room on the 4th floor of Ban Sai Nam Yen School. Mayor Lalita officially opened the event and gave a speech to welcome attendees.
Participants in the classroom training included local officials, teachers, students, representatives from public and private agencies, community leaders and members of the public.
The training was led by Wichit Sutthaso, Head of the Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office (DDPM Phuket), along with his team, who shared in-depth knowledge on evacuation strategies and disaster response.
Patong officials noted that the combined theoretical and practical training reflects the municipality’s ongoing commitment to disaster risk reduction and public safety.
The event was widely praised for its strong participation, smooth coordination, and cooperation from all sectors of the community, said an official report of the exercise.