Ayutthaya:Professor Dr. Yotsanun Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, has spearheaded an initiative to tackle the flood crisis in Thailand. In collaboration with the National Research Council of Thailand, seven Thai-made innovations have been deployed to address floods through a comprehensive approach of warning, rescue, and recovery. These measures aim to support over 25,000 households.
According to Thai News Agency, The innovations are divided into three phases. The pre-event preparedness phase includes the installation of the Flood Boy and Flood Eye systems, solar-powered real-time water level sensors developed by Mae Fah Luang University and Chiang Mai University. These systems provide early warnings to communities, with 35 units already installed in four northern provinces, and plans for expansion to six provinces to help alert over 15,000 households.
In the emergency response phase, the Thai Association of Model Aircraft and Radio Control Sports has introduced a pair of coordinated drones. Equipped with thermal cameras and capable of carrying supplies, these drones are being used in Ayutthaya province to assist 1,000 households. Additionally, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi has developed a portable emergency oxygen canister kit to aid asthma and heart patients in flooded areas. Srinakharinwirot University and Chulalongkorn University have created the Gatti Bag and Gatti Box, emergency kits for pets, aimed at helping 1,000 households.
The post-flood recovery phase features initiatives such as recycled plastic school furniture by Chiang Mai Rajabhat University, designed to withstand flooding and benefit 2,000-3,500 students and staff in Bangkok schools. Chulalongkorn University developed AGENT 29 Nano Copper Spray to prevent mold growth in homes, targeting over 1,000 households and 150 organizations. Thammasat University’s Clear Soil device restores agricultural soil post-flood, currently distributed in Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, and Songkhla provinces, aiming to assist 2,000 households.
Professor Dr. Yoschanan stressed the importance of continuous monitoring and post-flood recovery efforts. He encouraged private sector involvement in technology transfer to expand the impact of these innovations. Interested parties can contact the National Research Council of Thailand for collaboration.