BANGKOK, Thailand – The Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Defense have signed an agreement to enhance disaster prevention and mitigation and support Defense Ministry personnel in operating disaster-response equipment. The memorandum of understanding was signed by Permanent Secretary of Interior Unsit Sampuntharat and Permanent Secretary of Defense Tharapong Malakam. The agreement involves the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Defense, the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters, the Royal Thai Army, the Royal Thai Navy, the Royal Thai Air Force, and the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM). The Permanent Secretary of Interior stated that disaster management directly affects people’s lives and well-being. The DDPM manages the entire disaster cycle, including preparedness, response, and recovery. He noted that the agreement emphasizes preparedness through mobilizing resources, assessing readiness, and conducting drills.
He added that future joint exercises between the armed forces and the DDPM will help ensure personnel are prepared to respond effectively to disasters. The Permanent Secretary of Interior also cited recent major flooding in the South, where military units and the DDPM coordinated operations, supported response efforts, and accelerated recovery. He said the rapid restoration of affected areas, including Hat Yai, demonstrated the benefits of integrated operations. The Permanent Secretary of Defense stated that the agreement is an important step in strengthening interagency cooperation. It will improve personnel readiness, knowledge, and skills in operating disaster-response equipment, and support the exchange of experience for joint operations.
He affirmed the Ministry of Defense’s commitment to supporting disaster relief missions and expressed confidence that this cooperation will strengthen both agencies’ ability to respond to disasters and assist people promptly and effectively. (NNT)
