The meeting aimed to improve coordination and ensure systematic disaster relief efforts, said an official report of the meeting.
The video conference, chaired by Maj Gen Anusorn Ourai, Deputy Commander of Army Area 4 and Deputy Director of the Royal Volunteer Command Center Region 4, gathered representatives from each province. In Phuket, key officials attended the meeting at the Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office in Phuket Town.
During the session, updates on the regional disaster situation were presented, along with a review of disaster prevention strategies and coordination between military units and provincial disaster centres.
Maj Gen Anusorn emphasised the importance of following established procedures, without altering the 2015 National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Plan. He urged participants to ensure that disaster relief efforts are well-organised and efficient.
The general also highlighted the role of provincial governors, who act as incident commanders using the Single Command system during disasters. Governors are responsible for coordinating volunteer services, ensuring that assistance is delivered effectively. He called on all units to collaborate closely with the governors, wearing volunteer uniforms to demonstrate solidarity, the report explained.
In addition, Maj Gen Anusorn provided guidelines for holding press conferences to keep the public informed during disasters. He stressed the importance of clear communication with the media to ensure that the public remains aware of ongoing relief efforts.
Maj Gen Anusorn concluded the session by reminding volunteers of three key points: 1) Volunteers should assess the true needs of disaster-affected areas; 2) If a province is overwhelmed, they should seek assistance from the central command centre to minimise public suffering; and 3) Requests for ‘royal kitchens’ [mobile food preparation units deployed and operated by Royal Volunteers] can be made verbally, followed by a formal written request.
The meeting underscored the need for continuous coordination and preparedness to effectively respond to future disasters, the official concluded.