Bangkok — Communicating effectively with the public is one of the most critical factors in saving lives during natural disasters. To support this mission, the U.S. Embassy Bangkok, in partnership with the Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance (CFE-DM) under U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, hosted a multi-day Strategic Communications in Disaster Management Workshop.

The program brought together 55 representatives from across Thailand, including civil authorities, government agencies, military personnel, and media organizations, to improve public communication skills and foster greater interoperability in times of crisis.

Expert panels featured Kathryn Flachsbart, Acting Deputy Chief of Mission, U.S. Embassy Bangkok, and Tavida Kamolvej, Deputy Governor of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, who shared insights and real-world experiences in managing disaster communication strategies.

Participants sharpened their abilities in accurate, timely, and coordinated crisis communication, learning how clear messaging directly impacts the safety of residents, business owners, workers, and visitors—including Americans in Thailand.

The Embassy expressed appreciation to the many organizations that sent representatives, including the Royal Thai Armed Forces, Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Ministry of Transport Marine Department, Prime Minister’s Office (International Relations Department), Department of Disease Control, Irrigation Water Management and Maintenance Division, Provincial Public Relations Offices, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Chiang Mai Municipality, and members of Thailand’s online, print, and radio media.

By enhancing collaboration across these sectors, the workshop marked another important step in safeguarding communities across Thailand and strengthening U.S.-Thai cooperation in disaster preparedness.