Public Policies for Child Protection from Earthquake Disasters: Recommendations for Thailand
Keywords:
Public policy, Disaster management, Child rightsAbstract
This article examines the physical, psychological, and educational impacts of earthquakes on children. It highlights that, during disasters, children living in remote or economically disadvantaged areas are particularly vulnerable due to inadequate infrastructure and limited access to assistance. The study draws on case studies from Japan, New Zealand, and Chile, countries with well-established and systematic disaster management policies for child protection. The central argument is that Thailand’s disaster management framework lacks a systematic and child-centered approach. The article, therefore, advocates a Child Rights-Based Approach, which emphasizes sustainable child protection by promoting the participation of children, teachers, and communities in disaster planning, as well as the development of comprehensive preparedness, response, and recovery measures. Integrating these approaches into national policy would enhance effective, sustainable, and equitable child protection across all stages.
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