In an ambitious leap towards enhancing water tourism safety, the National Telecom Public Company Limited (NT) is collaborating with Thaicom and HPG to launch the Smart Pier Project, complete with a satellite-based maritime tourist tracking and emergency response system. This initiative aims to develop a fully functional smart pier prototype that promises to elevate water tourism safety standards to meet international benchmarks.
On 22 August 2024, a pivotal moment unfolded at Building 9, NT Headquarters, Chaeng Watthana, where Colonel Sanpachai Huvanandana, President of NT, joined hands with Mr. Phatthaphop Suwansiri, Chief Executive Officer of Thaicom Public Company Limited, and Mr. Thepparit Ritthongpitak, Project Manager at HPG Technology Company Limited. Together, they signed a collaboration agreement to launch the Smart Pier Project, marking a new era in maritime safety and tourism.
The collaboration between these three formidable organizations is driven by a shared commitment to revolutionizing maritime safety standards. By integrating cutting-edge telecommunications technology, advanced digital systems, satellite-based SOS services, and specially designed platforms, they are setting the stage for a smart pier prototype. This model will be implemented in NT’s pier areas and other locations owned by NT’s business partners, or any pier operators who choose to participate. The outcome? A state-of-the-art smart pier equipped with advanced systems, devices, and technology that promises enhanced safety, convenience, and efficiency.
Colonel Sanpachai Huvanandana, President of NT, emphasized NT’s longstanding dedication to maritime safety. “Since 1913, NT has been at the forefront of maritime safety, providing maritime radio station services using telecommunications to coordinate emergency assistance at sea. Originally established by the Royal Thai Navy and later managed by the Department of Post and Telegraph, this service now falls under NT’s purview. Our mission remains steadfast: to continuously enhance maritime safety standards, providing an exemplary model for assisting tourists and improving maritime business operations to meet international benchmarks.”
Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Phatthaphop Suwansiri, CEO of Thaicom, highlighted the company’s unwavering commitment to leveraging satellite and space technology for sustainable national growth. “Thaicom is honored to collaborate with NT and HPG on this groundbreaking project,” Suwansiri remarked. “By harnessing IoT solutions and LEO satellite tracking systems, we can monitor tourist vessels with unprecedented precision. This, coupled with portable personal tracking devices, ensures the safety of maritime tourists, driving significant improvements in tourism safety and supporting the industry’s sustainable expansion.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Thepparit Ritthongpitak, Project Manager at HPG Technology, reflected on the tragic sinking of the Phoenix boat in Phuket in 2018 as a catalyst for their innovative efforts. “The Phoenix disaster served as a stark reminder of the urgent need for improved maritime safety,” Ritthongpitak stated. “In response, we have dedicated ourselves to designing and developing the Smart Pier Project’s cutting-edge information systems and support mechanisms. Through the integration of modern systems and technology, we are setting new standards in maritime safety, ensuring effective and rapid assistance for tourists. Our project not only provides real-time location tracking and quick response capabilities but also aligns with international safety standards, marking a significant milestone for maritime tourism safety in Thailand.”
This collaborative effort between NT, Thaicom, and HPG is more than just a project; it’s a visionary step towards revolutionizing maritime tourism safety. With the convergence of telecommunications, satellite technology, and advanced digital solutions, the future of water tourism in Thailand looks promisingly secure and efficient. So, whether you are a maritime enthusiast or a casual tourist, rest assured that these dedicated organizations are working tirelessly to ensure your safety on the waters, paving the way for a safer and smarter maritime tourism experience.
This Smart Pier project sounds like a huge waste of money. Do we really need all this technology just to keep track of tourists? It’s overkill.
I completely disagree. After what happened with the Phoenix boat, investing in advanced safety measures is absolutely worth it. Lives can’t be measured in money.
We can’t solve every problem with technology. What about improving basic safety protocols instead?
Safety protocols are essential, but real-time tracking and quick response systems can save lives when protocols fail. It’s about having multiple layers of safety.
Exactly. Having both solid protocols and state-of-the-art technology ensures the best possible outcome in emergencies.
I’m impressed with NT’s long history in maritime safety. It shows a genuine commitment to improving conditions and should be commended.
Historical commitment doesn’t mean they’re above scrutiny. What if their focus on technology detracts from fundamental safety training?
That’s a fair point, but the technology enhances their capabilities rather than undermines them. There’s room for both.
Why should we trust corporations like Thaicom with our safety? They are just in it for the profit.
Sometimes business interests and public safety align. Thaicom benefits from a safer tourism industry just as much as tourists do.
If Thaicom is using their technology for a good cause, shouldn’t we encourage that? Profit motives don’t necessarily negate positive outcomes.
Will this project even matter if pier operators are not required to implement it?
It’s great that they’re using satellite tech and IoT to track tourist boats. Technology is a game changer in modern safety measures.
Technology is only as good as the people using it. How well-trained are those people? That’s what really counts.
Training is definitely important, but I trust that NT, Thaicom, and HPG won’t skimp on that aspect.
They’re using the Phoenix disaster to push their agenda. It’s a manipulation of a tragic event.
This project sounds ambitious, but what are the odds it actually rolls out successfully at a large scale?
Scaling up any tech project has its challenges, but the collaboration between these companies gives it a better chance of success.
Hope you’re right, EngineerMike. Skepticism aside, successful execution would be a big win for tourism safety.
I think this project will just complicate things for tourists. We’re bombarded with too much tech already.
Projects like these pave the way for innovation in other sectors too. It’s all interconnected and beneficial in the long run.
The Smart Pier Project’s emphasis on sustainability is fantastic. We need more eco-friendly initiatives in tourism.
Eco-friendly? Using satellites and tech requires massive energy! How is that sustainable?
When applied correctly, these technologies can minimize environmental impact by preventing accidents and promoting efficient practices.
Still, we need to evaluate if the environmental costs of producing and maintaining these technologies are justified by their benefits.
I wonder how other countries will react to this. Will there be international collaborations for maritime safety?
International collaboration could amplify the benefits of such projects. Safety should be a global concern.
I’m skeptical. Look at all the tech projects that started off strong but ended in failure.
Having portable personal tracking devices for tourists sounds invasive. Are we ready for that level of monitoring?
In emergencies, such devices could mean the difference between life and death. Safety sometimes justifies certain invasions of privacy.
True, but we need to find a balance. People’s privacy rights must be respected.
It’s amazing to see cutting-edge IoT and satellite tech being used for such a good cause. This is the future of safety!
Do you think this will really make tourists feel safer, or will it just add another layer of complexity?