The event, held in the form of a Table Top Exercise (TTX), forms part of the nationwide Passenger Ship Exercise 2025 programme aimed at improving Thailand’s maritime safety in line with international standards, said an official report of the event.
The training, held in coordination with the Marine Department and the Ministry of Transport, was hosted at the Royal Phuket City Hotel in Phuket Town and brought together central, regional and local government agencies, as well as private and volunteer organisations.
The exercise was directed by Rear Admiral Benjamaporn Wongnakornsawang, Director of the Thai MECC 3 Training Division,, with support from Thanathip Chanthaphakdi, Deputy Director of the 2nd Operation Office and a qualified Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator (SMC).
Designed to simulate the coordinated response to a maritime disaster, the session focused on the key elements of crisis response, including communication, coordination, situation analysis, decision-making, resource allocation and operational command. The training also included testing of equipment and personnel readiness.
“This table-top exercise is a critical stepping stone towards a full-scale practical drill at sea," said Rear Admiral Benjamaporn. “It ensures that every participating unit fully understands the protocols and can operate cohesively in the event of a real maritime emergency.”
The field training will be conducted today (July 9) with the ‘Genting Dream’ passenger ship in the waters south of Phuket Island and at the Phuket Deep Sea Port. The practical drill will put the planning to the test under simulated real-world conditions.
Vice Admiral Suwat Donsakul, Commander of the 3rd Naval Area and Director of the 3rd Marine Operations Centre, attended the exercise as an observer, alongside Rear Admiral Sivakanes Sawangnawin. Their presence highlighted the high-level support for the programme and its importance in raising Thailand’s maritime disaster response capabilities.
The overall objective of Passenger Ship Exercise 2025 is to enhance Thailand’s readiness and ability to respond to maritime emergencies, ensuring compliance with the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) SOLAS Convention (Safety of Life at Sea), Vice Admiral Suwat said.