Bangkok: The Ministry of Transport has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to enhance cooperation in the search and rescue of aircraft in distress, aligning the country’s safety management standards with international benchmarks.
According to Thai News Agency, the signing ceremony was presided over by Mr. Wittaya Yamuang, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport and Head of the Highway Infrastructure Development Mission Group. The MOU involves the Office of the Aircraft and Ship Search and Rescue Committee (ASKC), Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Co., Ltd. (AEROTHAI), and the Naval Aviation Division, Fleet Operations Command (FOCAC). Representatives at the signing included Ms. Ratchaneeporn Thititrap, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Administration, Rear Admiral Suriya Phakdeesena, Commander of FOCAC, and Mr. Surachai Nuphrom, Acting Director-General of AEROTHAI.
Mr. Wittaya Yamuang stated that the MOU embodies a collaborative effort among the three agencies to integrate and enhance the readiness of Thailand’s search and rescue system for aircraft in distress. The initiative focuses on personnel preparedness, infrastructure, communication systems, and management efficiency. A key objective is to establish a structured coordination framework, encompassing incident reporting, data coordination, mission support, and resource sharing. The National Coordination Center (NCC) plays a critical role, linking with the Bangkok Area Control Center and the air capabilities of the Royal Thai Air Force (RTA) to comply with recommendations from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT).
The MOU signifies Thailand’s proactive stance in upgrading its aviation emergency management capabilities to meet the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), particularly Annex 12 on Search and Rescue. This development marks a significant milestone in building an internationally compliant search and rescue system and lays the groundwork for long-term improvements in aviation safety across Thailand.
Mr. Wittaya Yamuang expressed his appreciation for the dedication and collaboration of all parties involved in the agreement. He emphasized its importance as the beginning of ongoing and sustainable cooperation aimed at advancing Thailand’s aviation safety system, ensuring efficient search and rescue operations that adhere to international standards for the benefit of the nation.