Thailand’s True Corporation (True) achieved a significant milestone with the successful live testing of its new emergency alert system, the Cell Broadcast Service (CBS), marking a pivotal advancement in national security.
Led by True CEO Manat Manavutiveth, the development and testing of CBS represent a collaborative effort with key government agencies, including the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), and the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD).
Designed to align with Thailand’s disaster alert policy and digital economy strategy, CBS aims to support Sustainable Development Goal 11 by enhancing urban inclusivity, safety, resilience, and sustainability. This real-time alert system delivers critical information directly to mobile phones in affected areas, broadcasting in multiple languages including Thai, English, Chinese, Japanese, and Russian. Manat emphasized that CBS categorizes alerts into five levels ranging from national alerts to test alerts, ensuring comprehensive coverage during emergencies.
“The adaptability of CBS ensures that vital updates reach everyone promptly during crises, promoting inclusivity and enabling swift, coordinated responses,” Manat stated. He highlighted CBS’s use of audio signals and pop-up messages, incorporating Text-to-Speech technology to assist visually impaired users.
Addressing the escalating threat of natural disasters exacerbated by climate change, Manat underscored CBS as a proactive measure to mitigate potential damages and protect lives, envisioning a safer environment for both citizens and tourists.
The successful testing phase sets the stage for Thailand to adopt an internationally aligned emergency alert system, adhering to best practices and bolstering national preparedness.
Discussing the regulatory framework, Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong commended the smooth operation of CBS during testing while emphasizing the need for collaborative discussions to establish clear regulatory guidelines and operational responsibilities.
“It is our mission to ensure coordinated efforts among agencies, defining roles clearly to avoid redundancy,” Prasert affirmed, mentioning ongoing consultations with the Interior Ministry regarding oversight and operational protocols.
With an initial budget of 434 million baht funded by the NBTC Office’s Universal Service Obligation 3 fund, supplemented by an additional 1.2 billion baht for network infrastructure, CBS is scheduled for nationwide deployment in the upcoming year. Efforts are also underway to negotiate CBS compatibility with iOS devices, in collaboration with Apple.
NBTC Chairman Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck reaffirmed commitment to expedite funding and collaboration with all telecom operators, ensuring timely implementation of CBS for the benefit of all Thai residents, as reported by The Nation.
