Geneva: ‘Anutin’ led the Thai delegation to the World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, presenting the vision of the Thai disaster prevention plan covering vulnerable groups in depth, 17,646 communities, emphasizing the urgent agenda to create a mechanism to manage cross-border disasters, flash floods, PM2.5
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Traisuree Traisaranakul, Secretary to the Minister of Interior and Spokesperson of the Ministry of Interior, disclosed the mission of Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, to attend the 8th Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GP2025) during 3-5 June 2025 at the CICG International Convention Center in Geneva, Switzerland. The event was attended by Mr. Arsit Sampantharat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior as Deputy Commander of the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Mr. Phasakorn Boonyalak, Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, and Ms. Usana Peeranont, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Thailand to the United Nations in Geneva.
At 14:00 on June 4, 2015, Swiss local time, Mr. Anutin attended a plenary meeting on ‘Leave no one behind – Realizing the guiding principles of the Sendai Framework’ and delivered a statement. He highlighted that Thailand has integrated the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, and the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP) into its National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Plan 2021-2027. This integration serves as a guideline for agencies at all levels to strengthen disaster risk resilience nationwide.
In 2025, Thailand’s Ministry of Interior, as the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command, has prepared disaster prevention and mitigation plans for all 76 provinces. These plans promote community-based disaster risk management (CBDRM) to cover vulnerable groups such as women, the disabled, minorities, the elderly, and youth, totaling 17,646 communities. Additionally, disaster awareness and safety practices have been included in the curriculum from primary to secondary levels, covering 11 types of disasters. A youth volunteer project has also been launched to promote understanding and develop skills for effective disaster response.
Mr. Anutin emphasized Thailand’s commitment to empowering vulnerable groups, which reflects a strong dedication to the shared vision of leaving no one behind. He stated, “Thailand recognises that the continued empowerment of vulnerable groups reflects the strong commitment of all partners to the shared vision of leaving no one behind, and we remain dedicated to making this vision a tangible and sustainable reality.”
At 3:30 p.m., Mr. Anutin participated in a ministerial roundtable on ‘Accelerating financing for resilience: Tailored solutions for disaster risk reduction.’ He highlighted that natural disasters remain a significant challenge in Asia, including Thailand. In addition to seasonal disasters, severe climate change poses challenges. According to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, a key challenge is insufficient investment in disaster risk reduction.
Recent floods in Thailand’s North and South regions and the earthquake in Myanmar on March 28, 2015, underscore the urgent need for a reliable warning system to reduce public anxiety. The Thai government has developed a Cell Broadcast system to send warning signals via mobile phones, set to be fully operational in July. However, Mr. Anutin noted that a warning system alone is insufficient. There must be investment in risk assessment, risk maps, training, and campaigns to raise public awareness, along with promoting funding mechanisms and insurance coverage for personal property.
Mr. Anutin also stressed the importance of managing transboundary disasters such as flash floods and PM2.5 pollution, which increasingly affect countries. He called for a mechanism to strengthen joint recovery and asked United Nations partners to support technical assistance, application of science and technology, and research and development.
Ms. Traisulee stated that the GP meeting aligns with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, held every 2-3 years since 2007. The meeting focuses on disaster risk reduction across social, economic, environmental, and technological aspects. Ministerial representatives overseeing disaster management work attend the meeting, with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) as the main organization overseeing progress.
The main theme of GP2025 is ‘Every day counts, act for resilience today,’ emphasizing the urgency of achieving the Sendai Framework goals within the next five years.