SRIRACHA, THAILAND – A major hospital in Sriracha launched a comprehensive training program to further improve fire safety and high-rise evacuations for the 2026 fiscal year.
Annual high-rise safety program launched
The Somdej Phra Boromarajathevi Hospital in Sriracha, operated by the Thai Red Cross Society, officially opened its annual fire and evacuation training program for high-rise buildings for the 2026 budget year on Tuesday. The opening ceremony took place in the Suthat-Anna conference room of the 100th Anniversary Memorial Building and was led by Associate Professor Dr. Sophon Napathorn, Assistant Secretary-General of the Thai Red Cross Society and director of the hospital.
Focus on staff readiness in tower buildings
The hospital used several high-rise buildings for inpatient and outpatient care and, despite standard-compliant fire prevention systems, placed particular emphasis on preparing its staff. Speaking to The Pattaya News, Dr. Sophon warned that a lack of proper training and drills in an emergency could lead to confusion and panic.
“This could ultimately result in a greater loss of lives and property,”
said Dr. Sophon Napathorn, hospital director.
Three core goals and 600 staff involved
According to the hospital, the 2026 training program pursued three main goals: raising awareness of the crucial importance of regular fire and evacuation drills, providing correct knowledge and practical skills in using firefighting and safety equipment, and ensuring the safe and efficient evacuation of patients and others from high-rise buildings in an emergency. Around 600 staff members from the hospital took part in the program.
Theory sessions followed by full-scale drill
The theoretical training sessions were held on 19 and 20 November 2025. They were followed on 21 November 2025 by a full simulated evacuation exercise in the 150th Anniversary Sri Sawarindira Building, another high-rise on the hospital grounds. During this large-scale drill, a fire incident was staged to practice evacuation procedures, communication and the use of equipment under realistic conditions.
Guidance from municipal disaster experts
The training was conducted by an expert team led by Apichat Maneechote, head of the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department of Sriracha Municipality. Instructors provided both theoretical content and practical exercises, including the correct use of fire extinguishing devices, team coordination and a structured approach to evacuating from higher floors.
Part of a long-term safety strategy
The program formed part of the hospital’s annual staff development plan and, according to the clinic, underlined its ongoing commitment to the highest safety culture for patients and personnel in medical high-rise facilities. The hospital stated that regularly repeating the drills was intended to ensure staff could respond quickly, orderly and safely in the event of a fire, significantly reducing risks for patients, employees and infrastructure.