Thailand hosts int'l conference to cope with disasters

BANGKOK, June 18 (TNA) - The Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters and the National Defence Studies Institute on Monday jointly organized a conference in Bangkok for representatives of 18 countries to discuss effective responses to disasters to minimize impacts on people, conclusions of which will be forwarded to the next ASEAN defence ministers’ meeting. General Padetkarn Jansawek, Commander of the National Defence Studies Institute, said that participants in the meeting would discuss solutions to disasters, focusing on risk reduction, preparation, operations during disasters and rehabilitation and would also look into international cooperation on the use of soldiers, personnel, equipment and technology to swiftly and timely help victims. General Padetkarn acknowledged that concerned agencies need to be always ready for such relief operations and soldiers play important roles in rescuing victims. Meanwhile, Colonel Eisuke Kigami, an expert from the Japan National Institute for Defense Studies, noted that Japan is ready to cope with disasters as Tokyo has always promoted disciplines and unity, educated the public and kept them on standby, recommending that Thailand conduct relevant drills and educated local people as well. The Japanese expert revealed that Japan would like to learn lessons from disasters in Thailand, including floods, saying he believes that Thailand can cope with floods and Japan should apply the lessons in Thailand for the sake of its own people. On behalf of the Japanese people, the expert thanked Thai people for helping Japanese victims following a massive earthquake and tsunami last year. (TNA)