Thailand is bolstering its national security and citizen support systems with a major upgrade to teh “Thong Ratth” request, launching five new services aimed at improving crisis response and public safety. The initiative reflects a growing global trend of governments utilizing technology to address evolving threats-from digital misinformation to natural disasters-and underscores Thailand’s commitment to digital change [[3]].These new features create a complete ecosystem designed to keep citizens informed, connected, and safe during both everyday challenges and emergency situations.
Thailand Launches New Features on ‘Thong Ratth’ App to Enhance Citizen Safety
As threats increasingly extend beyond physical borders into the digital realm and unpredictable disasters become more common, the Thai government is bolstering national security through a digital transformation. The latest step in this effort is the launch of five new services on the “Thong Ratth” application, designed to improve the country’s ability to respond to crises and keep citizens informed.
The new features work together as a comprehensive public safety ecosystem, covering everything from initial alerts to assistance and resolution. The initiative underscores a growing global trend of governments leveraging technology to enhance citizen security and resilience.
The first new service, “Teun Dee” (Notification Platform), aims to combat the spread of misinformation by providing official alerts directly to citizens’ mobile phones. This system delivers verified information from government agencies, addressing the confusion often caused by unreliable sources. Alerts fall into three categories:
• For You: Personalized notifications related to services used within the Thong Ratth app.
• Alerts: Location-specific warnings – at the province, district, sub-district, or precise coordinate level – issued by responsible agencies like the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.
• Announcements: Important nationwide news from the government, ensuring all citizens receive accurate and timely information.
Officials say “Teun Dee” is a proactive tool in the fight against disinformation, empowering citizens with trustworthy data to make informed decisions and prepare for potential emergencies.
The second new feature, “Volunteer Rescue,” formalizes and streamlines the vital role of citizen volunteers in disaster response. The service allows individuals to register as volunteers and identify themselves with a QR code, granting them official access to affected areas. For the government, it provides a way to efficiently manage personnel and resources during crises.
The third service, “Jaeng Ratth” (Report to the State), establishes a single channel for citizens to report issues and seek assistance, regardless of the problem’s nature. The system promises transparency by allowing users to track the progress of their reports.
“Dangers are Closer Than We Think”
“Jaeng Ratth” will be rolled out in three phases:
1. Phase 1 (Launched Today): Addressing urgent threats and community issues, including cyber threats (reporting fake lines, websites, and Facebook accounts through the Anti-Fake News Center), general complaints (reporting social issues like vulnerable populations and domestic violence through the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security), and local problems (reporting issues through pilot local government units in Lamphang Municipality, Bang Sare Sub-district Municipality, and Pa Sakae Sub-district Administrative Organization).
2. Phase 2 (February 2025): Expanding to address online financial crimes, including investment scams (through the Securities and Exchange Commission), online transaction problems (through the 1212 ETDA center), and online technology crime reports (through the Anti-Cyber Crime Operation Center).
3. Phase 3 (March 2025): Covering public disasters and expanding nationwide, allowing citizens to report major incidents to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation and enabling other local governments to join the reporting network.
The move aims to replace the often-complex process of reporting issues to government agencies with a direct, trackable digital channel.
The fourth new feature, “Digital Document Wallet,” allows users to store official documents digitally on their smartphones, reducing the need to carry physical copies and minimizing the risk of loss. The wallet includes “My Card” for digital identification – such as a digital driver’s license from the Department of Transport – and “My Document” for storing secure PDF files, like utility bills for loan applications.
This feature represents a step towards a fully realized digital identity, where official records are securely stored and readily accessible for verification or assistance.
Finally, “Dee Den (Ask AI)” is an AI-powered chatbot available 24/7 to answer questions, provide information, and guide users through the services available on the Thong Ratth app. Initially, “Dee Den” will function as a comprehensive FAQ, providing information on government services and benefits. Future development will enable the chatbot to offer personalized assistance, such as checking eligibility for financial aid or tracking the status of applications.
Taken together, these five services create what officials are calling a “digital emergency kit” – a suite of tools not only for convenience but also as a defense against crises and a reliable channel for seeking help. The “Thong Ratth” app, they say, is a digital shield designed to ensure the Thai government stands with its citizens in times of need.
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