BANGKOK, Thailand – The Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) conducted an emergency response exercise at Bangkok Port to test readiness for a potential attempt to smuggle radioactive materials and strengthen coordination among agencies.
The exercise was held on August 11 as part of the 2026 ISPS Code Workshop at Bangkok Port. It was chaired by Thamsin Sribangphlinoi, Deputy Director of Bangkok Port, and attended by PAT executives and staff, along with representatives from the Marine Department, Customs Department, Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology, Department of Disease Control, International Communicable Disease Control Checkpoint, Port Police Station, Khlong Toei District Office and other agencies.
The exercise simulated a radioactive material smuggling incident, allowing officials to test their readiness, communication systems and coordination procedures for responding to a potentially hazardous emergency.
Thamsin said the exercise was designed to ensure that participating agencies understood their roles and procedures in a real emergency, particularly incidents involving radioactive materials that require rapid action and systematic cooperation. Lessons from the exercise will be used to review and improve Bangkok Port’s emergency response plans and procedures.
The workshop included a realistic simulation featuring demonstrations on detecting and recovering radioactive materials, containing the incident and evacuating affected areas. Experts from the Office of Atoms for Peace provided guidance and practical training to help officials test inter-agency communication during an emergency.
The exercise also formed part of the Marine Department’s monitoring of Bangkok Port’s security operations under the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code) established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Bangkok Port has incorporated recommendations from relevant agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard, into its security system improvements. The measures are intended to strengthen emergency preparedness and reinforce confidence in Bangkok Port’s operations in line with international security standards.
