Bangkok: FloodBoy, an innovative technology developed by the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) and Chiang Mai University (CMU), is being implemented to improve river monitoring and flood prevention in Chiang Rai province. This system employs Blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) to provide timely flood warnings and enhance prevention efforts through advanced research and innovation.
According to Thai News Agency, the NRCT, under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, is spearheading this initiative with Dr. Wiparat Dee-ong, Director of the NRCT, and Associate Professor Dr. Sujarit Koonthanakulwong, Program Director of the key strategic target program on "Water Security: No Floods, No Droughts." They recently visited the site at Ban Fang Min Bridge in Mae Chan District to inspect the FloodBoy system's implementation.
Dr. Wiparat emphasized that the NRCT is focused on applying research and innovation to tackle national challenges, particularly in water resource management and flood mitigation. The FloodBoy system illustrates the integration of scientific knowledge with Blockchain and AI technologies to boost flood monitoring and warning capabilities. This approach ensures that government agencies and the public have access to precise and timely information for effective decision-making. The NRCT also plans to extend this innovation to other vulnerable areas.
Dr. Phuchiwan Suriyawong of Chiang Mai University highlighted that FloodBoy enhances real-time water situation monitoring and warning efficiency. By utilizing Blockchain and AI, it allows relevant agencies to analyze data, assess risks, and provide swift public warnings. This system also facilitates data integration to support effective flood management.
Mr. Patinya Pongyot, an officer at the Chiang Rai Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, noted that FloodBoy data has been instrumental in monitoring water situations. This capability enables officials to quickly assess, warn, and manage situations more effectively, improving disaster prevention and mitigation operations in the province.
Community leader Mr. Kosol Wongkham expressed that the FloodBoy system has been beneficial for local residents by allowing them to monitor water levels and receive prompt alerts, reducing potential damage to lives and property. He thanked the NRCT and the research team for developing a practical innovation that meets regional needs.
Currently, 21 FloodBoy systems are installed in flood-prone areas of Chiang Rai to support real-time monitoring and early warning efforts. This initiative improves flood management efficiency by local agencies and communities.
This visit underscores the NRCT's dedication to applying research and innovation for practical flood management solutions. It also fosters collaboration among user agencies, researchers, and communities for further innovation development to better address local needs. The NRCT is committed to supporting research that aligns with national development, knowledge transfer, and enhancing the country's water resource management to improve citizens' quality of life and community resilience against disasters sustainably.