Some Chiang Mai residents have started stocking up on emergency supplies after the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) urged the public to keep a ready-packed emergency bag at home.
The DDPM’s advice covers six categories: medicine, food, drinking water, communication gear, important documents and clothing. The bag should hold enough to last at least 72 hours, or the first three days after something goes wrong. The advice comes against the backdrop of the conflict in the Middle East, as well as natural disasters that could strike closer to home.
At shops around Thanin Market in Chang Phueak subdistrict, Mueang district, shoppers have been filling baskets with things for their bags and a bit extra for the cupboard. Ready-to-eat meals, toilet paper, basic household medicines and drinking water are disappearing faster than usual. Most buyers gave the same reason: better to have it and not need it. Shops are reordering to keep up.
Muninto Phromma, manager of Chiang Mai Direct, said customers started turning up in bigger numbers after the DDPM announcement. Most told her they would simply sleep easier with supplies in hand. Ready meals and instant noodles sell out fastest, followed by toothbrushes, toothpaste and bathing items. She said the shop has stocked enough to meet demand and has not raised prices.
