Safety
Nirat Pongsitthavorn Appointed as New Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation
Nirat Pongsitthavorn has accepted his appointment as the new Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) following his role at the Department of Local Administration.
According to a report by Prachachat Business on August 25, 2026, Nirat Pongsitthavorn, currently serving as the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior and acting Director-General of the Department of Local Administration (DLA), has officially accepted his new appointment as the Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM).
Nirat acknowledged that transitioning from his current responsibilities at the DLA presents significant challenges, particularly regarding the completion of ongoing administrative tasks before he assumes his new post. Despite these hurdles, he expressed his commitment to performing his duties to the best of his ability in the new role.
For residents and travelers in Thailand, the DDPM plays a critical role in national emergency response, disaster management, and public safety coordination. Changes in leadership at this department are significant as they influence how the country prepares for and reacts to seasonal weather events, such as flooding or storms. While the appointment has been confirmed, the specific timeline for the official handover of duties and the appointment of his successor at the DLA remain to be finalized. Observers will be watching to see how this leadership shift impacts the efficiency of disaster mitigation strategies in the coming months.