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Study Visit on Damages of the Tsunami and the Emergency Response and Reconstruction in Thailand for the Delegation of Shanghai Civil Defense Association, Shanghai, P. R. China ( 28th August – 3rd September 2005) A delegation consisting of 7 officials from the Shanghai Civil Defense Association undertook a study visit in Thailand from 28th August to 3rd September 2005. The purpose of the study visit was to inform the delegates of the damages of the tsunami and the emergency response and reconstruction measures taken by the Royal Thai Government since 26th December 2004 in order to promote a comprehensive system on disaster preparedness and mitigation in Shanghai, PRC. ADPC organized the study visit and during the opening ceremony, Dr. Suvit, Executive Director of ADPC provided a welcome speech to the officials. Mr. Zou Dekang, Vice Secretary-General of Shanghai Civil Defense Association commented that it has been a long time dream for him to visit ADPC, since he has known ADPC since 1988, when he met Col. Brian Ward, the late founder of ADPC in London. Both of them had a good interaction and he was invited by Col. Brian to visit ADPC a convenient time. ADPC conducted a one-day workshop for the officials at the AIT Conference Center and then accompanied the delegation on a visit to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), Ministry of Interior in Bangkok. The Deputy Director-General, Madam Srisuda Rakphao expressed her deep appreciation on behalf of DDPM to the Chinese government for providing such strong support to Thailand during the tsunami disaster. Officials from the two countries shared experience and information on their respective disaster management system and activities. The delegation also visited the Grand Palace, under the guidance of a professional officer from the Grand Palace Office. From 31st August to 2nd September the delegation visited Phuket and Phang-NGA, two of the 6 most seriously impacted provinces. The delegation visited various locations in the Provinces, including: beaches, school, village, temple and office that were impacted by the tsunami. The delegation also visited shelter and reconstruction sites. The Phuket Provincial Office of DDPM provided staff to accompany the delegates, and the Chief of Phang-NGA Provincial Office of DDPM provided a presentation to the delegates. After returning to Bangkok the delegation visited the Thai Red Cross and apart from the Royal Thai Government, the Thai Red Cross was also a prominent agency that undertook significant disaster response and relief actions during the tsunami disaster period. The Thai Red Cross is also playing a very important role in the provision of assistance in disaster reconstruction activities. The delegates commented that the study visit was very successful and that they and gained very useful information. |