Bangkok: Deputy Minister of Interior, Ms. Teerarat Samretwanich, has issued a directive to the governors of six Andaman provinces to bolster their readiness for potential disasters. Emphasizing the importance of preparedness, she instructed that no excuses regarding equipment readiness be accepted and stressed the need for accurate public information dissemination to ensure safety and confidence in governmental efforts.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Teerarat chaired a crucial meeting focused on understanding, monitoring, and warning against earthquakes and tsunamis. The assembly included high-ranking officials such as Mr. Phasakorn Boonyalak, Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, and Assoc. Prof. Seri Supratit, a special expert on disaster warning, among others.
In light of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Mr. Phumtham Vejjayachai's concerns, the Deputy Minister highlighted the necessity for continuous monitoring and public communication regarding disaster situations. Recent reports of sea-based earthquakes in the Indian and Pacific Oceans have heightened public concern about possible tsunamis impacting Thailand, reminiscent of the catastrophic 2004 event.
The directive mandates that governors ensure all relevant agencies are prepared for tsunami scenarios, with personnel, resources, and evacuation strategies in place. Local administrative organizations in high-risk areas have been urged to conduct regular drills and maintain clear evacuation route signage.
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation is tasked with providing round-the-clock earthquake warnings and ensuring the operational readiness of all warning equipment. Any equipment malfunctions must be promptly addressed to avoid operational excuses during emergencies.
Furthermore, the Public Relations Department is tasked with regularly disseminating information to reinforce public confidence and safety in tsunami-prone areas. Collaboration with the Department of Public Works and Town and Country Planning is crucial to evaluate building readiness and resident safety in earthquake contexts.
Ms. Teerarat emphasized the government's commitment to addressing public concerns about global disasters and climate change impacts. Accurate information dissemination by relevant agencies is vital to alleviate public anxiety and prevent misinformation.
Mr. Nattawut Dandee, Deputy Director-General of the Meteorological Department, reported that the recent earthquake activity in Japan involved horizontal movements with no impact on Thailand. The earthquakes, occurring between July 1 and 6, 2025, did not trigger any tsunami threat to the region.
Mr. Sumet Saithong, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Mineral Resources, clarified that Thailand, situated on the Eurasian plate, remains unaffected by the Andaman coast earthquakes, which are minor and result from horizontal fault line movements.
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation continues 24-hour monitoring of earthquakes, with specific reporting criteria based on magnitude. Tsunami warnings are issued for sea-based earthquakes exceeding a magnitude of 7.5 along the Sunda Fault, supported by Thailand's tsunami monitoring infrastructure, including buoys, warning towers, and satellite receivers.