Thailand’s life-saving tech boost to guard against natural disasters

Thailand is gearing up to supercharge its natural disaster warning system with a sweeping expansion of automated monitoring stations. In a bold move to protect lives and property, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed yesterday, September 3, by the Friends in Need Volunteers Foundation and various national agencies, marking the launch of the second phase of a nationwide project.

This ambitious initiative, inspired by the life-saving projects of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha and His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, aims to fortify the country against floods and other natural disasters. The plan is to establish over 500 automated telemetry stations across Thailand, with the ultimate goal of enhancing disaster surveillance, issuing timely warnings, and ensuring efficient evacuations, said a foundation spokesperson.

“All agencies have committed to setting up 510 automated telemetry stations in watershed forests to deliver data for disaster monitoring and warning, as well as water management nationwide.”

This expansion follows a successful first phase, launched in February 2020, which saw the installation of 242 stations.

These telemetry stations will gather and publicise critical data through the National Hydroinformatics Data Centre. The information is also used to send heavy rain warnings directly to citizens via the LINE app. Currently, this disaster warning network covers 19 flood-prone communities, but with the new expansion, it is expected to reach many more.

The second phase of this life-saving project involves collaboration from ten national agencies, including the National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission (NBTC), the Royal Forest Department, and the Royal Thai Army, ensuring comprehensive coverage and coordination in the fight against natural disasters, reported The Nation.

In related news, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Patcharawat Wongsuwan ordered the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP) to prepare for natural disasters, particularly flash floods and landslides.

Emphasising the need for constant vigilance in tourist areas, he instructed that personnel and equipment be ready to assist the public 24/7.