Recently, the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) hosted an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Course in Bangkok, Thailand at the Royal Thai Armed Force’s Counter Terrorism Operations Center (CTOC) headquarters complex. This course continues a successful series of events between the U.S. and Thailand to further protect the Southeast Asian region from WMD incidents.

Over 40 participants hailed from across the Thailand government interagency including the: CTOC, Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Thailand Maritime Enforcement Command Center, Office of Atoms for Peace, Ministry of Justice’s Department of Special Investigation, and the Bangkok Fire & Rescue Department, among others.

The workshop focused on interagency communication during a crisis, and supported continuing initiatives and cooperation efforts between DTRA and Thailand. The seminar also reviewed and discussed leadership roles, design, and functions of emergency response operations, management, and their relationships as components of a multi-agency coordination system with a focus on Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) topic areas.

The course used facilitated discussions and practical group exercises to highlight agency responsibilities and to fulfill various small-group roles and apply new knowledge to realistic emergency operations situations that involve WMD or CBRN elements. The event was a success and will positively impact future partnership events with Thailand!