Hoping to avoid panic during industrial accidents and other disasters, Rayong officials polled media, public relations and business leaders on the best way to inform the public about emergencies.
Rayong officials say that in the province, with its many factories and chemical plants, crisis is just an explosion away. Sirens and alarms can create panic in neighborhoods surrounding industrial parks, so effective methods of informing the masses during times of crisis are needed.
Rayong officials hold another meeting with the public to try and allay their fears about possible crises in the area.
Chief Rayong spokesman Manoch Osothcharoen assembled 50 public relations experts at the Star Rayong hotel July 12 to meet with media and community representatives to brainstorm the problem, draft guidelines for broadcasting about emergencies and the need to convey information quickly, but accurately.
Manoch said the session made him much more aware of the psychological impact sirens and alarms have on the public. He said some residents have filed lawsuits seeking compensation for the stress caused by emergency vehicles. In other cases, he said, inaccurate reports have led to vandalism of broadcasting towers and equipment by area residents.
Representatives from Radio Thailand in Chantaburi, the Association for Community, the Maptaput Industrial Estate Office, and Rayong Disaster Prevention and Mitigation all spoke at the seminar on ways to reduce risks, crisis preparation, making residents feel safe, and enhancing communication between the public and government.
Rayong Deputy Gov. Warayuth Pin-ngeun said Thailand has faced many crises, but Rayong faces even more risks than other areas. He said the workshop was a good opportunity for all involved to express their opinions, suggestions and experiences in to improve operations.
