Anutin praised Volunteer Civil Defense as a crucial force in preventing and alleviating disasters, emphasizing approaches that combine risk reduction with readiness to respond promptly to situations.
On 22 Mar 2026, Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, in his role as Commander of the Central Volunteer Civil Defense Center, delivered a message on the occasion of Volunteer Civil Defense Day. “Volunteer Civil Defense Day” for 2026 to volunteer civil defense members and staff at volunteer civil defense centers across the country.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the work of volunteer civil defense members is a source of national pride, demonstrating their public-spiritedness and dedication to society, which has consistently ensured the safety of citizens’ lives and property. He noted that national security is not the responsibility of any one individual but requires the involvement of all sectors of society. "Volunteer Civil Defense" is a key force in the country’s prevention and mitigation of disasters, ranging from small-scale incidents within communities, localities, districts, and provinces to large-scale disasters affecting multiple areas. They also support missions in unrest situations in border provinces. In some cases, volunteer members perform duties amid dangerous risks, with some injured or sacrificing their lives in the line of duty, making them highly valuable and deserving of honor and recognition.
"For 2026, I invite volunteer civil defense members to join forces with the government to promote and advance the development of the country's safety systems, focusing on reducing disaster risks alongside preparedness to respond swiftly and appropriately to situations.They should adhereto the nation's and people's best interests, in accordance with the principle "Compassion and Courage" which is the core of volunteer civil defense members’ duties."
