Thailand Launches First 191 Emergency Location Service with AIS and Police

Brickinfo News Agency – The Patrol and Special Operations Division of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, in partnership with AIS and Google, is introducing Thailand’s first 191 Emergency Location Service (191 ELS). The new system will use Advanced Mobile Location (AML) technology to automatically and accurately pinpoint the location of callers using Android smartphones on the AIS network. This service aims to solve the persistent problem of inaccurate or delayed location information, allowing officers to respond to emergencies more quickly and efficiently.

Police Major General Worawit Yanchinda, Commander of the Patrol and Special Operation Division, highlighted the main challenge faced by the 191 emergency service. He explained that officers often struggle to assist callers who are unable to provide a clear address or describe their location, which can cause significant delays and increase risks. This new partnership with AIS and Google is a step toward modernizing the 191 emergency response system and bringing it up to international standards.

The 191 ELS service operates by automatically transmitting the caller’s location from their device to the police call center when they dial 191. This process does not require the user to install any new applications or have an active data connection. The technology, based on AML standards, is integrated directly into the Android operating system. The service is also designed to be available to international tourists visiting Thailand.

Ms. Wanwisa Mingcharoen, Head of APAC, Platforms & Devices at Google, noted the importance of the technology. “Android Emergency Location Service, which is based on AML, is a feature on Android devices that is designed to help first responders locate people in an emergency,” she said. Mr. Sarun Phaloprakarn, Head of Mobile & Consumer Product Business Unit at AIS, stated that the company’s network is being leveraged to enable more effective emergency reporting and ensure services “can truly and seamlessly reach the public.”

Mr. Jaturon Choksawat, Assistant Secretary-General of the NBTC, confirmed the regulator’s support for the initiative. He emphasized that the NBTC is dedicated to promoting the use of digital technology for public benefit, especially in creating an effective emergency communication system. The NBTC is also working to expand the service to all device platforms to ensure everyone has equal access to accurate emergency assistance.