Public Policy on Disaster Management of Marine Transportation in the Laem Chabang Sea Area

Abstract

               This research aims to achieve three primary objectives: (1) to analyze the existing policies and emergency management measures in response to maritime disasters in the Laem Chabang area; (2) to investigate the operational structures involved; and (3) to identify limitations and areas for improvement. Employing a qualitative research methodology, data was collected through a review of relevant government documents, academic literature, previous research, credible news reports, and in-depth interviews with 11 key informants. These included policymakers, operational-level officers, community representatives, officials from related agencies, and subject matter experts. The data were analyzed using the Triangle Analysis framework to ensure a comprehensive understanding from policy, practice, and community perspectives.

               The study found that at the national level, Thailand lacks a dedicated and comprehensive action plan specifically for maritime emergency management. Currently, the country operates under the **National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Plan**, which provides a general framework for disaster management through a command structure led by the **Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM)** under the Ministry of Interior. This structure is organized into three tiers: central (national), provincial, and local levels. The Director-General of DDPM serves as the head at the central level, provincial governors lead operations in their respective provinces, and local administrators are responsible at the municipal level.

               In the case of maritime incidents, specific responsibilities fall to area-based agencies. For instance, if an incident occurs within Laem Chabang Port, the Port Authority assumes operational control. If the incident occurs in open sea areas outside the port, the Marine Department is responsible. Each agency maintains its own operational procedures and contingency plans. In cases where the incident exceeds local response capacity, the situation is escalated to the provincial governor or national authorities to request additional resources and manpower.

               The emergency response framework comprises five core measures: prevention, response, recovery, communication, and compensation. All agencies are required to maintain operational readiness and conduct regular drills. However, the study identified key limitations, notably the absence of an integrated organizational structure, overlapping responsibilities, lack of inter-agency coordination, and insufficient resources for large-scale maritime emergencies.

This article is part of a doctoral dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Program in Strategy and Security, Faculty of Political Science and Law, Burapha University.

               Ph.D. candidate in the Strategy and Security Program,  Faculty of Political Science and Law, Burapha University.

               Associate Professor Dr., Faculty of Political Science and Law, Burapha University.

               Responsibility is narrowly assigned only to frontline operators, many of whom lack technical expertise. Supervision and vessel control are insufficiently strict, while inter-agency coordination remains fragmented and lacks systematic structure. Information dissemination is inefficient, and there is an absence of a clear, actionable operational plan.