BANGKOK, 14 July 2015 – The Cabinet has agreed to designate the number 911 as the new national emergency hotline in a bid to prevent confusion caused by the many numbers in use.
Following the Cabinet meeting, Deputy Government Spokesperson Maj Gen Sansern Kaewkamnerd stated that the draft law related to the national emergency number has been given the green light. As a result, the main channel to accept emergency calls from people will be changed to 911 as stipulated by the bill when it is enacted into law in the future.
On this occasion, a committee was set up to oversee the emergency hotline. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was appointed the chairman while other committee members include the National Police Chief, the Minister of Information and Communication Technology and the Chairman of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission.
Nonetheless, the old emergency number 191 as well as other existing numbers will remain open as they will redirect callers to the 911 hotline.
