The event began in the morning with the launch of the Phuket Provincial Fire Safety Development Project at the Chao Fa Meeting Room, presided over by Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat.
Governor Sophon stressed that fire preparedness was essential for disaster management, noting that proper evacuation route planning, fire extinguisher use, CPR and basic life support skills, including AED training, could greatly reduce panic and casualties in the event of a real fire.
“The key is to be prepared. With readiness, we can respond to disasters promptly and correctly,” Governor Sophon said.
Present at the opening were Phuket Vice Governor Adul Chuthong, Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office Chief Wichit Sutthaso, Provincial Labour Protection and Welfare Chief Thanapong Onchorn, Kusoldharm Phuket Foundation President Lek Tantiwongpaisan and senior officials from government agencies and local administrative organisations.
At 3pm, the fire drill was staged in the Human Resources Management Group office on the third floor of Provincial Hall. The scenario simulated a fire outbreak that could not be contained, prompting the Governor, acting as incident commander, to order an evacuation.
The Phuket City Municipality Fire Department responded to the simulated blaze, supported by the DDPM Region 18 branch, Wichit Municipality, the Narendorn Center, Vachira Phuket Hospital and the Kusoldharm Foundation.
Three people were successfully “rescued” in the exercise: one green-coded patient and two red-coded patients. No “fatalities” were reported.
During the drill, all officials evacuated the building swiftly and in an orderly manner, using only fire exits and stairwells. Elevators were prohibited in line with standard safety procedures.
Officials praised the cooperation of all departments involved, emphasising that the exercise helped build awareness, reinforce evacuation protocols, and prepare agencies for a real-life emergency.