BANGKOK, Thailand – June 30, 2025 – The U.S. Embassy Bangkok, in partnership with the MIT ASEAN Initiative and the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham), today hosted the inaugural “Disaster Management Conference: Technology, Innovation, and Research for Effective Disaster Response and Prevention” at One Bangkok Forum. This half-day event aimed to foster open dialogue on disaster management policy, highlight American expertise in disaster management research and practice, and create opportunities for American private sector companies with various disaster management solutions to engage with policymakers, academics, non-governmental organizations, and thought leaders in Thailand and ASEAN countries.

The conference featured opening remarks from U.S. Ambassador to Thailand Robert F. Godec, Dr. Sorapop Kiatpongsan, Director of the MIT ASEAN Initiative, and Mr. Chatit Huayhongtong, President of AmCham and Chevron Thailand.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Godec highlighted the long history of U.S. assistance to Thailand during times of need. He noted the conference’s timeliness following the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that affected Thailand on March 28, causing damage in 18 provinces. Following the incident, the Ambassador noted the immediate deployment of U.S. support, including the U.S. military’s state-of-the-art remote sensing device to help Thai-led search and rescue teams at the collapsed State Audit Office (SAO) building at Chatuchak. This device assisted the teams by detecting 70 potential spots for victims deep within the SAO building rubble, a “tangible difference this new technology was making on the ground.” Ambassador Godec stressed that America is leading in innovation and technology in disaster management, with scientists unlocking AI’s potential for predictive modeling, designing technology to increase community resilience, and creating solutions for disaster mitigation. He also highlighted the crucial role of preparedness, achieved through platforms like the annual Cobra Gold Exercises. This exercise brings together 30 nations for joint training, which for the last twenty years specifically addressed responding to disasters and life-threatening crises through training such as Non-Combatant Evacuation Operations, training that participants have implemented to save countless lives. He concluded by quoting Benjamin Franklin: “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail,” underscoring the collective effort to build a “stronger, safer and more prosperous future” for all.

The conference’s primary goal was to promote cutting-edge U.S. technology, innovation, and research to enhance disaster management capabilities. It aimed to expand understanding of contemporary technology and trends in disaster management, to include artificial intelligence and machine learning for predictive modeling, remote sensing and satellite monitoring, robotics and augmented reality, crisis mapping, and blockchain for aid distribution.

The conference agenda included a range of insightful presentations and interactive discussions. Dr. Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok, presented a “Disaster Management Showcase” on the “Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.” The conference also featured two distinguished keynote speakers from MIT:

• The “Risk Reduction through Technology and Design” talk by Prof. Miho Mazereeuw, Director of MIT Climate Mission and Director of Urban Risk Lab, showcased how communities can leverage design and technology to increase resilience against climate risks like flooding, cyclones, heat stress, and seismic disasters. Prof. Mazereeuw leads the Urban Risk Lab which engages in action research through fieldwork and community workshops to embed preparedness in a rapidly urbanizing world. Her forthcoming book, “Design Before Disaster: Japan’s Culture of Preparedness,” is expected in late 2025.
• Dr. Sai Ravela, Principal Research Scientist at MIT’s Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences (EAPS), addressed in his keynote, “Emerging MIT Tech Frontiers of Risk-based Resilience to Extremes in a Changing Climate”, the innovative work in simulation and algorithms for mitigating risks from natural and climate disasters, including AI-driven exposure and vulnerability mapping. Dr. Ravela directs the Earth Signals and Systems Group and his research centers on computational sustainability and climate risk, with a particular emphasis on extreme events. He is recognized for his contributions to coastal risk quantification and advances a new Co-Active Systems Theory to couple models, data, and human insight for environmental stewardship.The conference concluded with two industry panel discussions, featuring representatives from One Bangkok, Honeywell, SCG, McKinsey & Co. and Western Digital.

About MIT ASEAN Initiative

The MIT ASEAN Initiative played a crucial role in co-hosting this inaugural conference. Officially opened on October 30, 2024, the initiative serves as a bridge for action learning, convening activities, and faculty engagement from across MIT to drive economic and social impact throughout the ASEAN region. The idea for this disaster management conference specifically arose after a major earthquake hit Thailand and Myanmar on March 28, 2025, making disaster management a policy priority for Thailand. This partnership brought MIT subject experts together with the U.S. Embassy Bangkok, Bangkok local government, and American companies in Thailand to address this critical need.

Contact: U.S. Embassy Bangkok Press Office Email: pressbkk@state.gov

Download Press Materials:
Press release, photos, the Ambassador’s speech and other press materials from the conference are available here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

[Bangkok, Thailand – July 17, 2024] – The U.S. Embassy Bangkok proudly launched the National Geographic Photo Ark exhibition at Siam Paragon on the night of July 17, 2024. This captivating exhibition features the awe-inspiring work of renowned National Geographic photographer and Explorer, Joel Sartore, and will be open to the public until July 29, 2024 at 3rd floor, Living Hall, Siam Paragon. 

The opening ceremony was graciously attended by dignitaries, conservationists, media representatives, academics, business and civil society leaders who all gathered to celebrate the beauty and diversity of the natural world. U.S. Ambassador to Thailand Robert F. Godec, in his opening remarks, emphasized the importance of global cooperation in protecting endangered species, stating, “This exhibition showcases the unparalleled beauty of our planet’s wildlife and serves as a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to protect it. This is never more urgent than right now when our planet is losing wildlife faster than at any other time since the disappearance of the dinosaurs.” Ambassador Godec added, “Environmental cooperation has long been and continues to be a cornerstone of our bilateral relations. And, as part of our commitment to the environment, we are close allies in wildlife conservation. Agencies such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the State Department, and the U.S. Agency for International Development, work closely with their Thai counterparts to combat wildlife trafficking in Thailand and in neighboring countries. Together, we have pursued initiatives from reducing air pollution to combating climate change. All aimed to preserve our natural heritage for future generations.”

Joel Sartore, the visionary behind the Photo Ark project, expressed his gratitude for the support of the U.S. Embassy and the opportunity to document Thailand’s unique biodiversity. He shared his hope that the exhibition will inspire people to connect with nature and take action to conserve it, saying, “The Photo Ark really exists to get people to look beyond ourselves and to bring these animals to the top of mind and help people realize that even the smallest creatures many think are at the bottom of the food chain, like insects, are what keep the planet stable. My job is to get people to try to engage the way that I know how, which is as a photographer.”  

The Photo Ark exhibition, which is visiting Thailand for the first time, features stunning portraits of animals from around the globe, including many species endemic to Thailand and Southeast Asia. This project is managed by creative director and Thailand’s celebrated contemporary photographer, Tom Potisit. This exhibition is part of the U.S. Mission Thailand’s initiative to raise awareness about wildlife conservation and highlight the collaborative efforts between the United States and Thailand in combating transborder wildlife trafficking. The U.S. Mission in Thailand extends its gratitude to our partners Siam Piwat Group, Siam Paragon, B.Grimm, and UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok (UNESCO Bangkok) for their support of this exhibition. Photo Ark is organized and traveled by The National Geographic Society. 

About the National Geographic Photo Ark Exhibition 

The “National Geographic Photo Ark” exhibition features some of Sartore’s most captivating images, offering visitors a unique opportunity to come face-to-face with animals from the National Geographic Photo Ark, including some that are endemic to Thailand and Southeast Asia. The exhibition will educate visitors about the project, its mission, and conservation efforts while engaging audiences of all ages through free educational materials and activities. 

Learn more about the Photo Ark and how to support Sartore in his efforts to document our planet’s biodiversity, help save at-risk species and protect their critical habitats at NatGeoPhotoArk.org.  

U.S. Mission Supports Thailand in Anti-Wildlife Trafficking Efforts 

The United States has been a close ally and partner with Thailand for two centuries, collaborating in various fields, including wildlife conservation. Agencies such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), State Department’s International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) work closely with their Thai counterparts to combat wildlife trafficking in Thailand and in neighboring countries. In 2024, the U.S. Mission Thailand is launching “Virtual Jungle Thailand,” a digital campaign to promote U.S.-Thai wildlife conservation efforts and raise awareness about the threats facing endangered species in Thailand. For more information about the U.S. Mission’s ongoing efforts to combat wildlife trafficking, please visit: https://th.usembassy.gov/wildlife. 

Members of the press can access the Photo Ark press kit here: https://bit.ly/NatGeoPhotoArkTH 

Marking the 190th anniversary of U.S.-Thai diplomatic relations, the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok was
honored to receive Their Majesties the King and Queen for the opening of the “Weaving Our Stories”
Exhibition, the culmination of our year-long celebration of U.S.-Thai bilateral ties.

His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and Her Majesty Queen Suthida
Bajrasudhabimalalakshana, welcomed by Ambassador Robert F. Godec and his spouse, presided over
the launch of the exhibition at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) on January 17, 2024.

Throughout 2023, the U.S. Embassy celebrated the rich history and bright future of U.S.-Thai relations
through a series of programs and events highlighting the enduring bond and shared journey of the
United States and Thailand. The centerpiece of this year-long celebration is the “Time Owes Us
Remembrance” art installation by Thai-American multidisciplinary artist Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya.

Hosted at the BACC from January 16 to June 25, 2024, the exhibit showcases the artist’s expression
which uniquely weaves together U.S.-Thai cultural textile elements, reflecting on the past and
envisioning the future of our bilateral relationship. The installation, resulting from extensive
collaboration and conversations across both countries, reflects the deep connection between the Thai
and American people. It explores themes such as community, kinship, nature, climate change, and
the contributions of women.

The exhibition kicks off with a “Weaving Week” from January 16-21, 2024, featuring an opening
ceremony, expert talks, and workshops. To further enrich the dialogue, the Embassy will host a
monthly “Art for Social Change” talk series during the exhibition. These discussions will focus on how
art can be a powerful tool for community development and progress.

The U.S. Embassy thanks the following sponsors for their generous support:

• Charoen Pokphand Group Co., LTD
• Thai Beverage Public Company Limited
• Chevron
• Google
• Indorama Ventures PCL
• BIG
• Dow Thailand Group
• SCG
• Baxter Healthcare Thailand
• Pfizer (Thailand) Limited

For more information, media inquiries, and access to event materials, please contact the U.S. Embassy Bangkok’s press office at pressbkk@state.gov or visit https://th.usembassy.gov/weaving-our-stories.