Thailand adopted the Hyogo Framework for Action 2005–2015, and had been responding to it by implementing disaster risk reduction activities and community-based disaster risk reduction interventions in communities throughout the country since 2003.
The Hyogo Framework is an instrument for implementing disaster risk reduction by building up the resilience of nations and communities to disasters and by substantively reducing disaster losses in lives and in social, economic and environmental assets.Across Thailand from 2006 and 2013, the Thai Red Cross, in partnership with Red Cross health stations, provincial Red Cross chapters, government agencies, local organizations and non-governmental organizations, achieved the following through its projects and programmes:
- Human resource development of staff in national headquarters, health stations and provincial Red Cross
chapters was undertaken through a training scheme and an information and communication exchange
programme, including an international study trip. The capacity-building programme enhanced the knowledge
and skills of staff and volunteers in disaster preparedness, mitigation and response. - Systems were developed and put in place for the efficient management of small-, medium- and large-scale
disasters in conjunction with the upgrading of the Disaster Operations Center, its local network in disaster affected provinces and regional health stations nationwide. As part of the disaster management systems, the
communication system of the central Disaster Operations Center was installed and linked with local health
stations and provincial Red Cross chapters through coordination with the Provincial Office of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation. - A culture of safety in different sectors of the society was promoted through public awareness-raising campaigns in disaster prevention and mitigation and early warning, which were organized through various activities and channels.
- The capacity to reduce vulnerability of people in communities at risk or affected by disasters was built up through the community-based disaster risk reduction approach.
- Disaster management strategic plans, contingency plans and standard operating procedures for various types of disasters were developed with the assistance of IFRC and the American Red Cross through a cooperative effort among several Red Cross departments, health stations, provincial chapters, government agencies and community representatives.
These achievements have contributed significantly towards realizing the implementation of the Hyogo Framework priorities. The Thai Red Cross has committed to increasing coverage of its Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction Programme in disaster-prone areas across Thailand.
