Japan experiences over a thousand earthquakes each year, while Thailand also regularly faces natural disasters, including earthquakes and floods. As such, the development of effective disaster communication systems has become a national priority.
A delegation from Thailand's Public Relations Department (PRD), led by Director-General Sudruetai Lertkasem, visited the Abeno Disaster Prevention Learning Center in Osaka, Japan. The delegation was welcomed by Fujioka Wataru, Head of the Center, who guided them through a demonstration of the center's disaster management systems.
The Abeno Center serves as a model for disaster preparedness and education in Japan. It focuses on building public understanding and practical survival skills through hands-on activities and realistic simulations, such as earthquake survival training, fire extinguishing exercises, and simulations of storms and smoke using Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies.
During the visit, both parties exchanged views on disaster management strategies and crisis communication. Discussions emphasized clear, timely, and accurate communication in raising public awareness and enabling effective response during emergencies.
Thailand's recent experience with a major earthquake on 28 March 2025 highlighted the importance of such systems. Measuring 8.2 in magnitude, the quake struck near Mandalay, Myanmar, but caused significant tremors across northern Thailand and Bangkok. The disaster resulted in widespread damage, including the collapse of a building in Bangkok's Chatuchak district, which led to many fatalities. During this crisis, the PRD played a central role in disseminating critical information via NBT Television and other platforms, ensuring that the public remained informed and could respond appropriately.
Looking ahead, the PRD and the Abeno Center discussed potential areas of cooperation, such as training programs, the use of digital technologies in disaster response, and the development of public communication materials tailored to the Thai context. The aim is to adapt Japan's expertise and best practices to enhance Thailand's disaster communication infrastructure.
This study visit reaffirmed the PRD's role as Thailand's central information hub during emergencies and marked an important step toward integrating international experience into national preparedness efforts. By improving the effectiveness of crisis communication, Thailand seeks to ensure that its citizens receive accurate, rapid, and comprehensive information—strengthening public confidence and resilience in the face of future disasters.
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