Thailand reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening regional cooperation in disaster management and humanitarian response as the ASEAN Strategic Policy Dialogue on Disaster Management 2026 brought together policymakers and experts to address the region’s evolving disaster landscape.
On 19 August 2026, H.E. Waraphannee Damrongmanee, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to Singapore, attended the opening session of the ASEAN Strategic Policy Dialogue on Disaster Management (SPDDM) 2026 at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore. The opening session was graced by Mr. Edwin Tong, Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs of Singapore, as Guest of Honour.
The SPDDM 2026 was co-organised by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), the ASEAN Secretariat, and the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre). The Dialogue serves as an important regional platform for policymakers and experts from ASEAN Member States and relevant partners to exchange strategic perspectives on emerging disaster and humanitarian challenges.
Discussions at the Dialogue focused on the evolving disaster and humanitarian landscape in Southeast Asia, as well as opportunities to strengthen ASEAN’s collective capabilities and cooperation in disaster management and humanitarian response. Through such exchanges, ASEAN Member States can enhance preparedness, coordination and resilience in responding to disasters and humanitarian emergencies across the region.
On the occasion, Ambassador Waraphannee met and exchanged views with Mr. Chairat Kaewpiangpen, Deputy Director-General of Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, who led the Thai delegation to the Dialogue. She also met with Ms. Sakawrat Somsakulrungrueang, Secretary-General of the Ruamkatanyu Foundation, who participated in the Dialogue as a representative of Thailand.
Thailand’s participation in the SPDDM 2026 underscores the country’s continued engagement in ASEAN efforts to advance regional disaster management cooperation. The Dialogue also highlighted the importance of collective action, knowledge-sharing and stronger partnerships in building a more resilient ASEAN community capable of responding effectively to future disasters and humanitarian challenges.
Source: Royal Thai Embassy in Singapore
