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HRH Princess Chulabhorn Presides Over the Opening of the 3rd CRA Disaster and Emergency Management Conference 2026 and Signs MOUs with Leading Disaster and Emergency Medicine Organizations
On Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 09:00, Professor Dr. Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Krom Phra Srisavangavadhana, President of Chulabhorn Royal Academy, graciously presided over the opening ceremony of the 3rd CRA Disaster and Emergency Management Conference 2026 (CDEM Forum 2026) at the Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao, Bangkok.
Her Royal Highness was received by Professor Emeritus Rajata Rajatanavin, M.D., Acting Deputy Secretary-General of Chulabhorn Royal Academy; Dr.Thakur Phanit; Mr.Boon Tapanadul; Professor Yuwares Sittichanbuncha, M.D., Acting Deputy Secretary-General of Chulabhorn Royal Academy; Assistant Professor Dr. Phatthranit Phattharapornjaroen, M.D., Director of HRH Princess Chulabhorn Disaster and Emergency Medicine Center; as well as representatives from the Society for Disaster Medicine and Public Health (USA) and Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Inc.
On this occasion, Assistant Professor Dr. Phatthranit Phattharapornjaroen, M.D., was granted an audience to present the event booklet to Her Royal Highness. Professor Emeritus Rajata Rajatanavin, M.D., then delivered a report on the objectives of the conference. Her Royal Highness gave an opening address and presented three awards to the winning teams of the CDEM Rally emergency medical skills and disaster response competition, followed by the presentation of the Person of the Year award.
Afterward, Her Royal Highness viewed the academic exhibition displayed in the foyer of Vibhavadi Ballroom A-B before proceeding to Vibhavadi Ballroom C to sign four Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with national and international disaster and emergency medicine organizations and institutions. The scope of these collaborative agreements includes:
• Society for Disaster Medicine and Public Health (SDMPH), USA: Focusing on building a robust network for academic cooperation, research, and innovation in medical and public health disaster management. This includes creating an academic journal, co-organizing scientific conferences, and disseminating knowledge on disaster preparedness through online channels, including podcasts.
• Royal College of Paramedics, UK: Aiming to promote excellence in paramedic education by jointly developing a comprehensive Paramedic Curriculum to meet international standards. The collaboration will also implement student and faculty exchange programs, foster joint research in pre-hospital emergency care, and advance technology-enhanced education, including simulation-based training.
• International Medical Response to Major Incidents and Disasters (MRMID) Association: Collaborating to standardize disaster medical training using the MACSIM® (MAss Casualty SIMulation) system. The partnership facilitates the international exchange of certified MRMI instructors, supports multicenter research on triage and hospital surge capacity, and explores the ethical integration of Artificial Intelligence in medical simulations.
• Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Inc., USA, in collaboration with the National Institute for Emergency Medicine (NIEM) and the Thai College of Emergency Physicians (RCEPT): Establishing a framework to foster academic and scientific cooperation, develop joint research proposals, and support staff and student exchange programs. The parties will also explore the establishment of dual Centers of Excellence in Disaster and Emergency Medicine across the Chulabhorn Royal Academy and NIEM.
The 3rd CRA Disaster and Emergency Management Conference 2026 (CDEM Forum 2026) is held from September 9–11, 2026. The event serves as a platform for exchanging knowledge, experience, and research in disaster and emergency medicine, while promoting academic and research networks between Chulabhorn Royal Academy and leading domestic and international experts and institutions. Organized under the theme “Stronger After the Storm: Transforming Crisis Into Opportunity,” the conference highlights the concept of “Polycrisis Navigation” to enhance knowledge and capabilities in responding to emerging complex disaster scenarios. It aims to foster collaboration among medical personnel, emergency practitioners, academics, and related international agencies. The conference features 25 distinguished local and international speakers, with approximately 300 participants from Thailand and abroad gathering to exchange insights on disaster preparedness, public health emergency management, application of technology and artificial intelligence, and workforce capacity building through simulations and hands-on training.
Additionally, the event features the CDEM Rally Competition to strengthen practical operational skills in real-life emergency situations. Jointly organized by the HRH Princess Chulabhorn Disaster and Emergency Medicine Center (CDEM), the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, the competition welcomes rescue and emergency medical teams from across the country. This reflects CDEM’s commitment to workforce development and elevating regional standards of excellence in disaster and emergency medicine operations.
The HRH Princess Chulabhorn Disaster and Emergency Medicine Center (CDEM), Chulabhorn Royal Academy, was established through the royal vision of Professor Dr. Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Krom Phra Srisavangavadhana. Her Royal Highness envisions an international-standard emergency medical and disaster management system for Thailand by developing personnel capabilities, building collaborative networks, and advancing knowledge in disaster and emergency medicine to meet increasingly complex future crisis situations.
