General His Serene Highness Prince Chalermsuk Yugala Graces “Remembering the 20th Year of the 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunami in Thailand, Reflections for Advancing Disaster Management through Higher Education-Industry Partnerships” Forum at AIT
The 2004 tsunami remains one of the most devastating natural disasters in global history and is deeply etched into Thailand’s collective memory. Triggered by a 9.1-magnitude earthquake in the Indian Ocean, the massive tsunami waves devastated the Andaman coastline of Thailand and several countries in Southeast Asia. This disaster caused widespread destruction and claimed countless lives, including both Thai citizens and foreign nationals. In Thailand, the provinces of Phuket, Phang Nga, Trang, Ranong, and Satun were the hardest hit.
Four years after the tragedy, in 2008, the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) launched the Disaster Preparedness, Mitigation, and Management Program (DPMM) to foster interdisciplinary knowledge, enhance expertise, and equip professionals with the necessary skills for disaster preparedness, mitigation, and management.
Today, the world faces rapid and diverse challenges across technology, environment, economy, and society. Among these, climate change has intensified global warming, leading to an increase in the frequency and severity of natural disasters, including storms, floods, wildfires, and tsunamis. These challenges underscore the urgent need for all sectors to prioritise environmental preservation to mitigate long-term impacts locally, regionally, and globally.
Reflecting on Two Decades of Lessons
Marking the near 20th anniversary of the tsunami in Thailand, the DPMM program organised a workshop and special lecture at AIT titled “20 Years of the Tsunami: Reflecting on the Past to Shape Thailand's Disaster Management” on 27 November 2024. His Serene Highness Prince Chalermsak Yugala graced the event and delivered a keynote speech on “The Mission of the Chemical Department Royal Thai Army in the 2004 Earthquake and Tsunami in Thailand.”
His Highness was welcomed on campus by AIT President Professor Pai-Chi Li and senior officials. During the visit, he reviewed exhibitions showcasing disaster management innovations, including a workshop by the DPMM program led by Associate Professor Indrajit Pal.
His Serene Highness shared insights into the Royal Thai Army Science Department’s 29-day disaster relief mission following the 2004 tsunami. He detailed the department’s primary efforts, which included spraying microorganisms to neutralise odours and sterilise contaminated areas such as burial sites, roads, drainage systems, restrooms, and forensic identification centres. These measures were critical in preventing disease outbreaks in high-risk zones, particularly in hubs for identifying victims.
Given the high number of fatalities, personnel worked tirelessly around the clock to manage the remains and ensure their safe return to families. Strict safety protocols were enforced, including the disinfection of individuals and equipment such as stretchers and vehicles, to prevent contamination. Special focus was given to Khao Lak in Takua Pa District, Phang Nga Province, one of the hardest-hit areas.
The mission earned international recognition for the Royal Thai Army Science Department’s efficiency in managing the remains of numerous victims under immense time pressure. Their innovative use of biological agents for decontamination and sterilisation showcased the department's disaster management expertise.
“The knowledge gained from these operations has since been applied by various agencies in disaster preparedness, mitigation, and management,” His Serene Highness noted. “This expertise has also been adapted for counter-terrorism and biological warfare scenarios, further underscoring its significance.”
Insights from Disaster Experts
The event also featured distinguished speakers:
- Dr. Khunying Porntip Rojanasunan, former Director of the Central Institute of Forensic Science and head of the 2004 tsunami victim identification team, shared her insights on forensic identification in disaster scenarios.
- Lt. Gen. Dr. Pramote Imwatana, former Director of the Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences and former Secretary-General of the ASEAN Center for Military Medicine, delivered a lecture on “Forensic Identification and Managing the Deceased.”
- Ms. Arunsawadi Bhuridadtpong, a PhD candidate in the DPMM Program, shared her knowledge on “Burial System Management and Volunteer Work” based on her firsthand experiences.
- Associate Professor Tavida Kamolvej, Deputy Governor of Bangkok and Former Advisor to the Pacific Disaster Center USA, and Mr. Maitree Jongkraijug, Manager of the Chumchon Thai Foundation, discussed “The Wave That Changed Lives.”
AIT Professor Pennung Warnitchai, Founding Director of the Earthquake Research Center of Thailand (EARTH), delivered a keynote lecture titled “Navigating Tsunamis: Preparing for Tomorrow's Waves.”
Advancing Disaster Management for the Future
To conclude the workshop, Professor Sangam Shrestha, Dean of the School of Engineering and Technology, delivered a vote of thanks and highlighted AIT's ongoing commitment to advancing disaster management through technological research and capacity development across various sectors.
The workshop reviewed and consolidated disaster management knowledge, creating a foundation for designing and planning future disaster preparedness strategies. It emphasised the integration of academic knowledge to elevate operational practices and capacity to handle disasters amidst the growing challenges of global climate change.
Additionally, the DPMM program launched a forum on Higher Education and Industry Partnership for Climate Resilience (HEIP-CR) during the event. The forum aims to facilitate discourse on climate change-induced challenges faced by Thailand's industrial sectors and provide a platform for education-industry engagement to develop and implement sustainable and resilient solutions.
