Bangkok: The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation recently hosted a seminar titled "Preparing, Understanding, and Responding to Natural Disasters through Research and Innovation." Dr. Wiparat Dee-ong, Director of the NRCT, led the opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of research and innovation in enhancing disaster response capabilities. The event, held at the Center for Research Promotion for Cultural Heritage, Building 8, 2nd Floor, National Research Council of Thailand, saw attendance from experts, researchers, executives, and media representatives.
According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Wiparat highlighted the unpredictability and suddenness of natural disasters, such as flash floods, landslides, and earthquakes, both within Thailand and globally. These events underscore the necessity for public awareness, understanding, and preparedness to mitigate the risks and damages associated with natural disasters. The seminar aimed to communicate essential knowledge and showcase the NRCT-supported research and innovations designed to bolster disaster preparedness. A total of 12 research projects were exhibited, demonstrating advancements such as flood monitoring stations, platforms for flood preparedness, and real-time structural monitoring systems for earthquakes.
During the seminar, Associate Professor Dr. Sujarit Koonthanakulwong discussed urban flood management strategies in his presentation titled 'Pre-Flood Warning: The Survival Strategy for Upstream Communities and the Nan River Basin.' He outlined three components crucial for managing urban floods: warning systems, proactive measures, and decision-making. These components involve using innovative flood warning systems, urban risk maps, and developing long-term structural reinforcements to manage water before it impacts urban areas.
Associate Professor Dr. Sutthisak Sornlump from Kasetsart University presented on "Prevention Before Collapse: A Monitoring Mechanism for Landslides During Rainy Seasons." He cited global warming as a factor increasing landslide risks and recommended research and innovation for early warning systems and risk assessments to prevent further collapses in high-risk areas.
Professor Dr. Amorn Pimanamas also from Kasetsart University addressed earthquake preparedness through real-time monitoring and warning systems. He described the deployment of sensor networks to detect building vibrations and assess structural integrity, providing critical information to building occupants during earthquakes.
Assistant Professor Panjapa Sukho from the Sri Sawarintira Institute of Nursing, Thai Red Cross Society, presented the 'PANJAPA MODEL: An Integrated Learning Model to Enhance Public Capacity for Earthquake Preparedness.' This initiative aims to improve public knowledge, self-efficacy, and practical skills for disaster survival and management, utilizing innovative tools like the Survival Bag Challenge and SMART SAFETY GO BAG.
The seminar featured research and innovation exhibitions, including projects from Chulalongkorn University, Naresuan University, and Kasetsart University, among others. These projects focus on monitoring, forecasting, warning, risk assessment, and preparedness for natural disasters. The goal is to disseminate research findings to the public and apply them practically to reduce disaster risks and impacts.