BANGKOK, Thailand – Deputy Interior Minister Jeseth Thaiseth presided over the opening ceremony of the Functional Exercise (FEX) under the National Disaster Crisis Management Exercise 2026 on July 2, which simulated a flood scenario in Songkhla province. Joined by Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Director-General Teerapat Kutchamath, the deputy minister said the exercise would help agencies improve their readiness for one of Thailand’s most destructive natural disasters. Jeseth said the severe flooding in Songkhla in 2025 provided valuable lessons for future disaster response. He made clear his intention to receive information directly from frontline personnel in disaster-prone areas to gain a better understanding of operational conditions.
The deputy minister said the exercise, along with a follow-up drill scheduled for July 17, is especially important because the long-term flood mitigation project for Hat Yai remains under budget consideration and may not receive funding this year. He urged all agencies to maintain a high level of preparedness, saying regular training improves emergency response and helps reduce the risk to lives and property. The exercise was held under the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Plan 2021-2027, which calls for integrated disaster response drills at least once a year. (NNT)
