East-West Center (EWC)
The East-West Center is an internationally recognized education and research organization established by the U.S. Congress to strengthen understanding and relations between the United States and the countries of the Asia Pacific region. The Center helps promote the establishment of a stable, peaceful and prosperous Asia Pacific community in which the United States is a natural, valued and leading partner. It is located in Honolulu, Hawaii.

International Research Institute for Climate Prediction (IRI)
IRI is an innovative science institution working to accelerate the ability of societies worldwide to cope with climate fluctuations, especially those that cause devastating impacts on humans and the environment. Through the foresight, initiative and financial support of NOAA, the IRI was established in late 1996. Private foundation seed monies have supported efforts to explore how specific sectors and populations might better utilize climate prediction information. An important part of the vision for the IRI is its recognition that the benefits of climate predictions arise from the application of those predictions and not simply from their production.

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) was established in 1923, attached to the Water Management Division of the Royal Irrigation Department under the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture. The involvement of TMD in the international aspects of meteorology has grown steadily over the years since its adherence to the Convention of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in 1949. In the past, TMD was transferred to many government offices for various purposes. At the present, TMD attached to the Ministry of Transport and Communication with the responsibilities of the application of meteorology to various fields of human activity, particularly agriculture, water resources development, land transportation, shipping and aviation.

Extreme Climate Events Program
Asian Disaster Preparedness Center
PO Box 4, Klong Luang, Pathumthani 12120 Thailand
TEL: (66) 2524 5354 — FAX: (66) 2524 5350/60 — E-MAIL: ece@ait.ac.th