On 26 March 2026, Mr. Chettaphan Maksamphan, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, delivered opening remarks to commence a tabletop exercise on “Thailand’s Efforts to Strengthen ASEAN’s Coordination in Disaster Management,” which was co-organised by the Department of ASEAN Affairs, in cooperation with the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), with the support of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre). In attendance were 80 participants from government agencies, civil society, embassies of ASEAN Member States and Dialogue Partners, and international organisations.

The Deputy Permanent Secretary reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to join the region’s efforts in strengthening ASEAN’s disaster management mechanisms and cooperation. He expressed hope that the Programme could promote greater synergy among all stakeholders and enhance efficient and effective disaster relief. Mr. Vathayudh Vichankaiyakij, Acting Director-General of the Department of ASEAN Affairs, stated the key objectives of the Programme, especially enhancing understanding of the existing ASEAN disaster management mechanisms, and strengthening coordination among relevant Thai agencies in accordance with the ASEAN Standard Operating Procedure for Regional Standby Arrangements and Coordination of Joint Disaster Relief and Emergency Response Operations (SASOP). Mr. Saharat Wongsakulwiwat, Deputy Director-General of DDPM, highlighted Thailand’s role and contribution in ASEAN’s disaster management.

During the panel discussion, the Director of Operations of the AHA Centre and experts from government agencies and UN OCHA shared views and experiences in disaster management, as well as coordination among Thai agencies, ASEAN mechanisms, and international frameworks. Participants actively engaged in scenario-based disaster response simulations in a Tabletop Exercise and later, visited the Disaster Emergency Logistics System for ASEAN (DELSA) in Chainat Province on 27 March 2026 to learn more about the role of DELSA Chainat in ASEAN’s disaster management mechanism.