27 August 2025
Bangkok is set to launch Thailand’s first-ever 191 Emergency Location Service (ELS), a collaborative effort between the Patrol and Special Operations Division of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, AIS, and Google.
The new service will automatically provide precise caller location data to emergency responders, enhancing response times and safety.
Known as 191 ELS, the service leverages Google’s Android Emergency Location Service (ELS), which utilises advanced mobile location (AML) technology. When an Android smartphone user on the AIS network dials the emergency number, their device will securely transmit its exact coordinates to the police command centre without the need for the caller to provide an address or have an active data connection. This capability aims to address common challenges such as caller distress, unfamiliar surroundings, or inability to communicate location details clearly.
Importantly, callers will not need to install any additional applications, although the service currently requires an Android device. Built into the Android operating system, Google’s ELS combines GPS, Wi-Fi, mobile network signals, and sensors to accurately determine and send the user’s location directly to emergency services.
The high penetration of Android smartphones in Thailand means that this service can be scaled effectively without significant hardware investments. AIS is the first network operator in the country to enable this advanced emergency location feature, which is expected to significantly improve emergency response efficiency.
The initiative also extends to international tourists visiting Thailand, offering added reassurance for visitors and potentially boosting confidence in Thailand’s emergency services.
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has played a key coordinating role in the project and has expressed interest in expanding coverage to all device platforms, including iOS, as AML technology is integrated into both Android and iOS devices. The goal is to achieve universal access to emergency location services across Thailand.
Officials hope that the 191 ELS will eventually be rolled out nationwide, further strengthening Thailand’s emergency response infrastructure and safety measures.
