Thailand has just accomplished something big. The Metropolitan Police Bureau (191) has partnered with AIS and Google, with the support of NBTC, to introduce the 191 Emergency Location Service (191 ELS). For the very first time, Thailand now has a system that instantly and automatically shares the caller’s precise location with emergency responders. This is not a minor upgrade, it is a complete game-changer for public safety.
What is 191 ELS?
191 ELS is powered by Google’s Android Emergency Location Service (ELS), built on the global standard known as Advanced Mobile Location (AML). This standard has been proven across multiple continents and is trusted in life-and-death scenarios. Here is how the service operates in practice:
- Dial 191 from your Android phone on the AIS network.
- The phone automatically calculates your location by combining GPS, Wi-Fi, mobile networks, and onboard motion sensors for the highest accuracy.
- The coordinates are then transmitted instantly and securely to the 191 emergency response center via AIS.
- No app download and no extra configuration required.
When the call ends, the phone resets your privacy settings, ensuring there is no ongoing tracking. Everything is automated to work only during emergencies. This approach balances life-saving innovation with strong privacy protection.
Why does it matter?
Emergencies are chaotic. Callers are often panicked, unable to explain their location, or unaware of where they are, especially in unfamiliar neighborhoods or rural areas. In the past, this created delays, and in the world of emergency response, every second can be the difference between life and death.
With 191 ELS, officers receive pinpoint coordinates within 5 to 25 meters on average. This is far more precise than outdated cell tower triangulation, which could be hundreds of meters off. With this leap in accuracy, dispatchers can immediately direct emergency services to the exact spot where help is needed. International studies confirm that reducing emergency response time by even one minute can save over 10,000 lives per year in the United States. This technology saves lives.
Beyond faster response times, the system also reduces stress for callers. Instead of trying to recall street names, describe landmarks, or fumble with directions in moments of panic, callers can focus on explaining the situation while the technology takes care of the rest.
Who can use it?
- Phase 1: Available for Android users on the AIS network, starting with coverage in Bangkok.
- Tourists roaming with AIS also benefit, ensuring international visitors have equal access to emergency location services.
- Next phases: Nationwide expansion across Thailand, integration with all mobile networks, and future support for iOS devices.
This roadmap demonstrates that the initial launch is just the beginning, with a clear plan for growth and inclusivity.
A Team Thailand Effort
The success of 191 ELS highlights the strength of cooperation between the public and private sectors. It was made possible by the Metropolitan Police Bureau (191), AIS, Google, and the NBTC. By combining global technology with national infrastructure, Thailand has positioned itself alongside leading nations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and the European Union, where AML and ELS are already standard.
This collaboration shows how Thailand can leverage international best practices and adapt them locally to save lives. It is more than technology, it is about uniting for a common good, public safety.
Global Comparison of AML and ELS Status
| Region | Legal Status | OS Supported | Multi-Network | Emergency Numbers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EU | Mandated by law | Android and iOS | Yes | 112 and local |
| United Kingdom | Widely deployed | Android and iOS | Yes | 999, 112 |
| United States | Partial deployment | Android and iOS | Partial | 911 |
| Australia | Widely deployed | Android and iOS | Yes | 000 |
| New Zealand | Widely deployed | Android and iOS | Yes | 111 |
| Thailand | Pilot on AIS | Android only | AIS only | 191 |
FAQ for Tourists
Can international visitors use 191 ELS
Yes. If you roam on the AIS network, your location will automatically be shared with emergency responders when you dial 191.
Do I need to install an app
No. Simply dial 191, and the system activates on its own.
What if I use an iPhone
At present, 191 ELS works only on Android devices. However, there are clear plans to extend it to iOS in the future, aligning with global AML standards.
Is it free to use
Yes. There are no fees, whether you are a Thai citizen or an international tourist.
Is my location data secure
Yes. Your data is sent only to the 191 emergency center via AIS. Google does not see or store your coordinates, and your privacy settings are automatically restored after the call ends.
Will it work outside Bangkok
At launch, the service covers Bangkok. However, it is being scaled nationwide, so coverage will expand to every region in Thailand.
Conclusion: This initiative is more than a technical improvement, it is a bold leap into the future of public safety. By launching 191 ELS, AIS and its partners have placed Thailand on the global safety map. For citizens and tourists alike, help will reach you faster and with more accuracy when every second counts.
