Thailand Scales Up 5G-Enabled Ambulance Fleet to Boost Life-Saving Emergency Response Nationwide

Brickinfo News Agency – The Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) and the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) have announced a major expansion of Thailand’s 5G Ambulance project, aiming to upgrade emergency medical services across the country. By integrating high-speed digital technology into an additional 84 vehicles, the initiative will bring the total number of AI-enhanced 5G ambulances to 124 units within two years. This strategic rollout is projected to provide timely medical intervention for over 173,600 patients annually, significantly improving survival rates through real-time data transmission.

The expansion was officially launched by Dr. Saritdej Charoenchai, Director of the Emergency Medical Service Division at the MoPH, and Dr. Supakorn Siddhichai, Acting President/CEO of depa. The project addresses the growing demand for advanced responsive systems in critical emergency cases. By utilizing Thailand’s 5G network, which now covers over 95% of the country, the initiative facilitates seamless communication between paramedics on the road and specialists at hospitals, ensuring that life-saving decisions can be made before the patient even reaches the emergency room.

Dr. Saritdej highlighted that the Ministry of Public Health has prioritized the development of emergency medical data communication to support personnel in the field. He expressed appreciation for the continued collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES) and depa, noting that the “increased number of critical emergency cases highlights the need for more advanced and responsive systems, including improvements in patient access, medical data communication, and decision support for medical personnel.”

According to Dr. Supakorn, the 5G Ambulance project is a core component of Thailand’s smart city development strategy. For the 2026 phase, depa is providing participating state-supervised hospitals with 5G routers and a comprehensive telemedicine suite. This includes EMS platforms, remote monitoring devices, body cameras, and internal safety recording systems. These tools allow for a “tangible application of digital technologies” that transforms the traditional ambulance into a mobile treatment center.

Reflecting on the progress, Dr. Supakorn stated: “For the 2025 phase, depa supported digital technologies for 40 ambulances across 17 hospitals in 11 provinces. In 2026, the project will expand by an additional 84 ambulances, bringing the total to 124 units nationwide over two years.” He further emphasized that the initiative “not only increases survival opportunities but also promotes enterprise-level 5G adoption and serves as a model for digital transformation in public services.”

Government-supervised emergency medical service providers interested in joining the project can submit their applications until March 31, 2026. This nationwide upgrade represents a significant step in leveraging digital infrastructure to enhance the quality of life for Thai citizens and visitors alike, ensuring that Thailand remains a leader in regional digital healthcare innovation.