BANGKOK, Thailand – Deputy Governor, Assoc. Prof. Tawida Kamolvej, led a fire drill exercise simulating a disaster scenario in the basement of a high-rise building, September 8. The exercise, part of Bangkok’s 2024 disaster prevention and mitigation training, was designed to simulate a Level 2 disaster (moderate disaster with a risk of escalation). The goal was to help administrators and personnel better understand disaster response procedures.
Following the drill, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt attended a debriefing session, where the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Navamindradhiraj University, and the Office of Disaster Prevention Strategy evaluated the exercise. This review aimed to assess operational standards, identify weaknesses, and improve future response efforts. The meeting took place at the Thani Nopparat Building, Bangkok City Hall 2 in Din Daeng.
The fire drill broadcasted live on YouTube (https://youtube.com/live/WkpEvFHsNbM?feature=share) involved a scenario where an electric vehicle (EV) caught fire in the second basement parking level of the Arawat Phatthana Building at Bangkok City Hall in Din Daeng. The fire spread to nearby vehicles, resulting in multiple explosions. Over 100 people were reported missing, and several were trapped in the 37-story Thani Nopparat Building.
The exercise involved teams from Huai Khwang and Sutthisan Fire and Rescue Stations, Urban Search and Rescue (USAR), chemical rescue units, Amarin and Phanfah Radio Centers (traffic management), Din Daeng Police Station, and Erawan Medical Center, which dispatched ambulances. A drone team also participated in the mission, with the Din Daeng District Director serving as the incident commander.
This drill was conducted to ensure that each agency understands its responsibilities and operational protocols during a disaster.
