BANGKOK, Thailand – Assoc. Prof. Dr. Panitan Wattanayagorn, a security and foreign affairs expert, has urged Thailand to strengthen its emergency preparedness as an increasing number of countries advise citizens to stockpile essential supplies against potential disasters, cyber threats and war.
Speaking on October 30, Panitan said 33 countries had announced or recommended emergency stockpiling, reflecting growing concerns over three major threats: natural disasters, cyberattacks and large-scale armed conflict.
Countries have issued different recommendations on how long households should be able to survive without outside assistance. Russia has advised citizens to keep supplies for 14 days, while US security agencies have discussed preparations covering up to three months. More countries are expected to introduce similar guidance.
Panitan said the European Union began reviewing its preparedness strategy last year, introducing measures this year to improve resilience across seven key areas. The approach focuses on three main priorities: strengthening government monitoring and emergency response, improving cooperation with the private sector, and ensuring citizens can sustain themselves while waiting for rescue or assistance.
Private companies play an important role because they possess specialized skills, expertise and technology that can support emergency operations. The public preparedness measures include keeping sufficient supplies of essential medicines, food, radios and items that provide entertainment and help reduce stress during emergencies. European guidance generally recommends that households be prepared to manage independently for three to seven days, particularly in remote areas where rescue teams may take longer to reach. Panitan identified natural disasters, cyber threats and major armed conflicts as the main reasons behind the growing concern.
Natural disasters, including increasingly severe flooding and melting ice, pose rising risks to communities and infrastructure. Cyber threats could also disrupt communications and online systems, whether caused by natural disasters or deliberate attacks.
He pointed to concerns over potential damage to undersea cable networks, which comprise more than 600 systems stretching approximately one million kilometers worldwide. Disruptions could severely affect communications, transportation, logistics and financial services.
The risk of a wider war is another major concern, particularly in Europe, where the Russia-Ukraine conflict has raised fears of further escalation, including the possible use of nuclear or chemical weapons. European countries are therefore preparing for the possibility of a direct confrontation involving Russia.
The preparedness movement has increasingly spread beyond Europe into Asia, with Taiwan and Singapore among the countries taking steps to encourage emergency readiness.
For Thailand, Panitan said the public should remain aware of potential risks without becoming alarmed. He recommended that the government establish clear and practical preparedness guidelines, including a color-coded warning system to indicate the level of readiness required.
He assessed Thailand’s current situation as Yellow Level, suggesting households should maintain enough essential supplies to survive independently for two to three days. He stressed that preparation should be based on awareness and sensible planning rather than panic. (TNA)
