The development of Early Warning Systems (EWS) has received an exceptional amount of attention and resources in the aftermath of the 26 December 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami disaster. A lot of emphasis has been placed upon technical and instrumental arrangements, while policy, legal and institutional changes that provide the basis for risk reduction are still to be improved, enacted and translated into practice.

This report summarizes the results of a study that captures: the status of Thailand’s institutional, policy and legal framework for EWS and disaster risk reduction (DRR); the main gaps remaining to establish a comprehensive EWS within a holistic DRR policy; and recommendations for stakeholders on the immediate strengthening of EWS through the policy, legal or institutional framework.