Thailand Draws Up Four Contingency Scenarios Amid West Asia Crisis

By Kenny Teng

BANGKOK, Nov 4 (NNN) -- Thailand has drawn up four contingency scenarios to safeguard its economy and national security against potential disruptions from escalating conflicts in West Asia and elsewhere.

National Security Council (NSC) Secretary-General, General Chaiyapruek Duangprapat, said the scenarios were developed in consultation with government agencies and academics. An operations centre would be established to monitor developments and review contingency plans.

“Although the world is experiencing a period of crisis upon crisis, Thailand remains on the outer periphery of these crises. Nevertheless, we have prepared plans and operational guidelines as a precaution,” he told reporters at Government House on Wednesday.

Chaiyapruek said the government was also coordinating with the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) and the Public Relations Department to ensure timely and accurate public information should warnings become necessary.

He urged the public not to panic or stockpile essential goods, assuring that Thailand had sufficient food supplies, with rice production that exceeds domestic consumption and adequate stocks of chicken eggs and most consumer goods.

However, he said some products, including dairy products and cooking oil used for seasoning, could face supply imbalances, prompting the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives to prepare measures to address potential shortages.

Chaiyapruek said the NSC was also considering a proposal to establish a national food reserve to further strengthen the country's preparedness, although implementation would take time.

--NNN