The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok, in collaboration with the MIT ASEAN Initiative and the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham), organized the inaugural "Disaster Management Conference: Technology, Innovation, and Research for Effective Disaster Response and Prevention" at One Bangkok Forum. The event aimed to encourage discussions on disaster management policy, showcase American expertise in research and practice, and provide opportunities for U.S. private sector companies to engage with policymakers, academics, non-governmental organizations, and thought leaders from Thailand and ASEAN countries.
U.S. Ambassador to Thailand Robert F. Godec delivered opening remarks alongside Dr. Sorapop Kiatpongsan from the MIT ASEAN Initiative and Mr. Chatit Huayhongtong of AmCham and Chevron Thailand.
Ambassador Godec highlighted America's long-standing support for Thailand during crises, noting its relevance after a recent 7.7 magnitude earthquake that impacted 18 provinces in March. He mentioned the deployment of a U.S.-developed remote sensing device that assisted Thai search teams by identifying potential victim locations within rubble at the State Audit Office building in Chatuchak—a testament to how technology can make a significant difference on-site.
Godec emphasized America's leadership in disaster management innovation through advancements like AI-driven predictive modeling and technology designed to boost community resilience while underscoring preparedness's importance through exercises like Cobra Gold—an annual joint training involving 30 nations focusing on disaster response.
The conference focused on promoting advanced U.S. technology to enhance disaster management capabilities by exploring contemporary tech trends such as AI, machine learning for predictive modeling, remote sensing, satellite monitoring, robotics augmented reality crisis mapping, and blockchain aid distribution.
Notable presentations included Dr. Chadchart Sittipunt's "Disaster Management Showcase" on Bangkok Metropolitan Administration efforts; Prof. Miho Mazereeuw's discussion on leveraging design against climate risks; Dr. Sai Ravela's keynote addressing simulation algorithms mitigating natural disasters via AI-driven exposure vulnerability mapping—highlighting innovative work done at MIT Climate Mission & Urban Risk Lab under his direction—and two industry panel discussions featuring representatives from various companies.
The MIT ASEAN Initiative played an essential role as co-hosts since its inception last October—to foster economic social impact across Southeast Asia following major earthquakes hitting both Myanmar/Thailand earlier this year—which necessitated prioritizing policies around managing disasters effectively within their borders through collaborative partnerships between subject experts governments businesses alike tackling critical needs head-on together moving forward collectively towards safer prosperous futures globally too!
Contact: U.S Embassy Bangkok Press Office Email: pressbkk@state.gov
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