BANGKOK—Thailand's disaster agency, the DDPM, calls on households to keep an emergency kit on hand with supplies for at least 72 hours. Reason: the unrest in the Middle East and the risk of Thai disasters such as floods and earthquakes.
Director General Nirat Pongsitthithavorn keeps it down to earth: several countries have advised citizens to stock up on supplies for three days because of the Middle East. Thailand is not in that danger, he says, but an emergency bag remains a sensible precaution.
Why those first 72 hours count!
The first three days after a disaster are critical, according to the DDPM: residents often have to fend for themselves while help arrives. This applies not only to threats of war, but also to floods, landslides, earthquakes, epidemics and fires. Nirat even mentions cyberwar as a possible reason to be prepared.
For expats, this advice is extra relevant during the rainy season. Copies of your passport, visa and contact details should be in your bag just as much as the official documents.
Six categories: a first-aid kit and medications; at least three liters of water per person per day, plus ready-to-eat food (taking into account the needs of children, the elderly, and those with specific medical requirements); communication tools such as a phone, power bank, flashlight, radio, and whistle, supplemented by candles, a lighter, and a pocket knife; waterproofed documents—such as identification, insurance cards, and property deeds—along with spare keys and cash; and, finally, toiletries, extra clothing, a raincoat, and a sleeping bag.
Keep the bag close at hand!
Store a lightweight, waterproof bag in an easily accessible location, and regularly check the expiration dates of the items inside. The DDPM (Department for Disaster Preparedness and Management) maintains its own disaster response supplies, emergency personnel, and warning systems—such as Cell Broadcast—and continues to collaborate with other government agencies.
Source: Thai PBS
