On 26 March 2026, H.E. Mr. Chettaphan Maksamphan, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Thailand presided over the Special Programme, “Thailand’s Efforts to Strengthen ASEAN’s Coordination in Disaster Management and Tabletop Exercise ” at Vithes Samosorn, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The event was co-organised by the Department of ASEAN Affairs, in cooperation with the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), with the support of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre). Over 80 representatives from government agencies, civil society, as well as embassies of ASEAN Member States and Dialogue Partners and international organisations attended the event.

At the opening ceremony, the Deputy Permanent Secretary reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to join the region’s efforts in strengthening ASEAN’s disaster management mechanisms and cooperation. DPS Chetthaphan expressed hope that the programme could promote greater synergy among all stakeholders and enhance efficient and effective disaster relief.  In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Vathayudh Vichankaiyakij, Acting Director-General of the Department of ASEAN Affairs, stated the key objectives of the Department for organising the Programme which aims at enhancing understanding of the existing ASEAN disaster management mechanisms, and strengthening coordination among relevant Thai agencies in accordance with the ASEAN Standard Operating Procedure for Regional Standby Arrangements and Coordination of Joint Disaster Relief and Emergency Response Operations (SASOP) and also discussed how Thailand can play more active role in disaster management cooperation in the ASEAN framework. In addition, Mr. Saharat Wongsakulwiwat, Deputy Director-General of DDPM, highlighted Thailand’s role and contribution in ASEAN’s disaster management.

During the panel discussion, the Director of Operations of the AHA Centre, and experts from government agencies and UN OCHA, shared views and experiences in disaster management and coordination among Thai agencies, ASEAN mechanisms, and international frameworks. During the Tabletop Exercise, participants actively engaged n scenario-based disaster response simulations.

On 27 March 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will organise a study visit to Disaster Emergency Logistics System for ASEAN (DELSA) in Chainat Province to learn more about role of DELSA Chainat in ASEAN’s disaster management mechanism.