Picture courtesy of Facebook/AIS

 

Bangkok's police team up with AIS and Google to roll out the 191 Emergency Location Service (191 ELS) across Thailand—ushering in a new era of safety with pinpoint accuracy

 

Bangkok’s Metropolitan Police Bureau has collaborated with AIS and Google to launch a novel emergency system aimed at improving safety standards in the country.

 

The 191 Emergency Location Service (191 ELS) is now operational, ensuring that help reaches you no matter where you are. By automatically sending a caller’s location to emergency responders, this innovation promises speedier and more efficient interventions.

 

Currently, this service is accessible exclusively on Android devices running on the AIS mobile network. The benefits are clear—no need for additional apps or fees.

 

When every minute counts, the ability to locate someone instantly could be crucial. Even if a caller can't speak, the system will transmit their location to the emergency centre, potentially saving countless lives, according to the Bangkok Post.

 

The initial rollout covers Bangkok, with plans to extend the service nationwide. Targeting both local residents and foreign tourists on AIS's network is a significant step towards tighter security and peace of mind. By inviting other operators to join at no cost, AIS seeks a unified approach to enhance emergency response efficiency.

 

As the 191 ELS gains traction, the project exemplifies how technology can play a pivotal role in public safety. It supports government efforts to protect citizens and sets a precedent for innovative solutions elsewhere. With these measures, Thailand positions itself as a leader in leveraging technology to bolster community safety.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-08-23

 

3 hours ago, webfact said:

Currently, this service is accessible exclusively on Android devices running on the AIS mobile network. The benefits are clear—no need for additional apps or fees

So now, they have made it easier for police (an/or rescue) to find you using your phone number using google maps to track you. I wonder if you need to have your GPS turned on or if they can access this when they want and turn it on for you? The story does not highlight how this system will be used be agencies other than rescue services which I am most certain it will be shared with the government and policing agencies as well. 

What is needed is active policing. Cops are lazy and corrupt. This isn't going anywhere and stops zero crime in progress. Another half hearted measure to placate Asian tourism

 

Good on AIS for lending a hand.

1 hour ago, thesetat said:

I wonder if you need to have your GPS turned on or if they can access this when they want and turn it on for you?

Yes as usual the article is slightly lacking in the relevant details. If GPS is turned off are they then going to use the cell towers to triangulate perhaps? Not sure how accurate that would be in more remote areas.

40 minutes ago, topt said:

Yes as usual the article is slightly lacking in the relevant details. If GPS is turned off are they then going to use the cell towers to triangulate perhaps? Not sure how accurate that would be in more remote areas.

The Op claims they will use google maps... I assume that means your GPS needs to be for that to happen. The question is, do they now have the ability using True to access your phone through the Sim to turn on your GPS. positioning using the towers is not accurate

4 hours ago, thesetat said:

So now, they have made it easier for police (an/or rescue) to find you using your phone number using google maps to track you. I wonder if you need to have your GPS turned on or if they can access this when they want and turn it on for you? The story does not highlight how this system will be used be agencies other than rescue services which I am most certain it will be shared with the government and policing agencies as well. 

If you got nothing to worry about, why worry ?

Should be almost as useful as their standard emergency number, you know the one, the one where you call them for an ambulance and they just say "cannot do." So if you live in the sticks they can pin point your location within a few feet, but cannot get an ambulance, so good luck when having a heart attack or some other dire emergency. At least they will know where to send the coffin.

1 hour ago, hotchilli said:

If you got nothing to worry about, why worry ?

 

Those of the 'wrong' political persuasion might have a lot to worry about.

4 hours ago, thesetat said:

do they now have the ability using True to access your phone through the Sim to turn on your GPS.

I don't think, but don't know for 100%, that is currently possible.

Not unless Google change something in the android code or push a separate app update so for most I think that would be a no currently.

This will only locate an Android phone using AiS provider and should be useful for tracking lost or stolen phones but not neccessarily people.