BANGKOK, Thailand – The Public Relations Department (PRD), led by Director-General Sudruetai Lertkasem, visited the Abeno Disaster Prevention Center in Osaka, Japan, on September 11 to study Japan’s approach to disaster preparedness and crisis communication. The delegation observed demonstrations including earthquake survival drills, firefighting exercises, and storm and smoke simulations enhanced with augmented and virtual reality technologies.
The Abeno Center is regarded as a leading institution for public disaster education, offering hands-on training and real-world scenarios to build survival skills. Visiting PRD officials explored how similar methods could be adapted to improve Thailand’s disaster communication and public awareness efforts.
Discussions with Abeno officials focused on strategies for managing information during emergencies. The talks referenced Thailand’s experience earlier this year, when a magnitude 8.2 earthquake in Myanmar caused tremors across several provinces and fatalities in Bangkok. During that crisis, the PRD served as the central communication hub, using NBT Television and other platforms to provide timely official updates.
Both sides also reviewed prospects for future collaboration, including staff training, the use of digital technology in public education, and the creation of communication tools tailored to Thai needs. These measures are expected to strengthen the efficiency of Thailand’s disaster messaging systems, ensuring the public receives accurate and timely information in times of crisis. (NNT)
