Bangkok: Premsak Piayura, a Thai senator and chairman of the working group studying crisis management and emergency medical services reform, has revealed alarming data on the impact of natural disasters in Thailand over the past two decades. According to Thai News Agency, more than 10,000 lives have been lost and economic damages have exceeded 2.2 trillion baht. These figures underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive overhaul of the nation's disaster response system.
Dr. Premsak emphasized that the severity and complexity of natural disasters in Thailand have been increasing, yet the investment in future response systems remains inadequate. He highlighted the devastating impact of major events such as the 2004 tsunami and the great flood of 2011, which together resulted in billions of baht in damages and thousands of casualties. Floods and droughts account for 67% of the 95 major disasters analyzed over the past 20 years, affecting millions of people and causing widespread economic disruption.
The working group, chaired by Dr. Premsak, has proposed the establishment of a "Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation Fund," which has received Cabinet approval. This initiative aims to create a sustainable financial mechanism to address the evolving nature of disasters. The current Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Act, in use for over 18 years, is deemed insufficient to cope with the increasing frequency and severity of disasters. The reform plan calls for a shift from reactive, year-by-year disaster relief to proactive fiscal guarantees, ensuring rapid and equitable assistance to affected citizens.
A significant concern raised by Dr. Premsak is the financial status of the Emergency Medical Fund, which is struggling to keep up with the increasing volume of emergency operations. The fund's budget has been reduced in recent years, leading to backlogged compensation payments and an urgent need for additional budget allocations. The reform plan for the National Institute for Emergency Medical Services (NIEMS) includes expanding operational units, developing community emergency volunteers, and leveraging digital technology for improved crisis response.
The working group has outlined five strategic measures to stabilize the financial system, including adjusting compensation rates and implementing value-based payment models. Dr. Premsak stressed the need for integrating funding sources from health funds and external revenue streams to reduce reliance on a single national budget. The ultimate goal is to create a transparent, efficient, and sustainable emergency medical system that ensures all Thais receive timely and high-standard services during critical moments.