The National Disaster Warning Center, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Rescue Operation, and related agencies have adopted OpenCARE network to simulate a full-scale tsunami warning and people evacuation exercise on 7 July 2008 for the six provinces of the Andaman Sea including Ranong, Phang-nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang and Satun.The full-scale simulation will start from 9.30-10.30 with Deputy Prime Minister Suvit Khunkitti presiding over the exercise in Phuket.

OpenCARE (Open Exchange for Collaborative Activities in Response to Emergencies) network was officially opened on 19 December 2007 as a center for government, private sector and volunteers both inside the country and overseas to coordinate global emergency help on a non-profit basis. The project received research funding support from NECTEC (National Electronic and Computer Technology Center) and is capable of effective communication and full-scale coordination. Warning messages and details can be relayed through various multimedia accurately and in a timely manner.

It is a new step for the country to develop and use high technology for the public safety, helping save the country a lot of money by developing our own technology.

Interested organizations and volunteers can get more information at www.opencare.org

For personal contact, please call Penprapa Tisuka,
OpenCARE coordinator at 0-2257-7112, fax 0-2577-7070,
email penprapa@opencare.org , info@opencare.org