EARTHQUAKE EDUCATION: DIRECTION FOR SCHOOL IN THAILAND (PART 1)
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Abstract
Thailand is increasingly vulnerable to earthquakes, with both the frequency and severity of seismic events rising in recent years, as reflected in disasters occurring within the country, across neighboring nations, and around the world. These events have caused significant impacts on human lives, property, economies, and educational systems, yet many Thai schools still lack systematic preparedness measures and continuous safety education programs. Consequently, disaster risk reduction learning has not been consistently integrated into school practices, limiting the development of a strong culture of safety among students, families, and communities. In response to this challenge, this article proposes practical approaches to Earthquake Education appropriate for the Thai school context, drawing on the Comprehensive School Safety Framework (CSSF 2022–2030), international research, and examples of effective practices from both Japan and Thailand. Furthermore, the article emphasizes the critical role of schools in fostering a culture of preparedness and resilience by integrating earthquake education into policy development, instructional management, and school readiness initiatives. It also presents key principles of earthquake education, implementation strategies within the framework of comprehensive school safety, and essential knowledge needed to support meaningful learning and preparedness. Ultimately, this article seeks to provide school administrators, teachers in hazard-prone areas, educators, researchers, and those interested in disaster risk reduction with a practical reference for strengthening preparedness for earthquakes and other natural disasters, while positioning schools as central hubs for learning, community awareness, and the transfer of safety knowledge to students, parents, family, and local communities.
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