True Corporation (SET: TRUE) is strengthening the readiness of its mobile and home internet networks across Southern Thailand to prepare for potential flooding toward the end of the year. Drawing on lessons learned from the major floods in Hatyai, Songkhla Province, in 2025, the company has enhanced its telecommunications infrastructure and disaster response plans.
Key measures include using AI to predict flood risks, reinforcing network transmission routes for faster service restoration, elevating base station equipment above previous flood levels, and extending backup power capacity. True has also designated 33 strategic base stations in Hatyai and surrounding areas of Songkhla to maintain essential communications during emergencies.
These preparations extend to other flood-prone provinces, including Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Surat Thani, in coordination with the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), and local authorities.
Mr. Jirachai Kunakorn, Deputy Chief Network Officer, True Corporation Public Company Limited, said, “The major floods in Hatyai last year demonstrated how critical communications are to people’s lives and safety, from emergency calls for assistance to coordination among government agencies, hospitals, and rescue teams. True has applied lessons from its on-the-ground operations to strengthen disaster preparedness, with two key priorities: minimizing network disruption and restoring services more quickly if damage occurs. We are also extending these measures beyond Hatyai to other flood-prone areas across Southern Thailand.”
Most recently, Mr. Jirachai led a team of network engineers from headquarters to Southern Thailand, joined by Mr. Uthai Sirisawut, Senior Leader, Regional Network Rollout and Operation South, to inspect the readiness of the core network, base stations, transmission systems and backup power. The team also updated disaster prevention and network recovery plans for each area based on lessons from the previous floods, prioritizing strategic sites essential to emergency communications. Preparations under the plan are now 100% complete, through the following key measures:
1. 100% Base Stations Checked, with Network Routes Reconfigured for Faster Recovery
True assessed every base station in Hat Yai and surrounding areas of Songkhla and reinforced strategic sites to help maintain voice calls, SMS, and mobile internet connectivity during emergencies, even if parts of the network are affected.
The company has also reconfigured its network topology to establish more direct connections between critical base stations and the core network, reducing reliance on multiple intermediate sites. This enables faster restoration of affected base stations when network infrastructure is damaged.
2. Using AI to Predict Flood Risks and Pre-Position Backup Generators
True uses AI to analyze water level trends and assess flood risks to base stations, drawing on data from ThaiWater, Thailand’s national water information platform, and water level monitoring data from government agencies.
When potential risks are identified, engineering teams proactively deploy generators and backup equipment to critical locations before floodwaters arrive or access routes become impassable. True combines its internal risk assessment thresholds with government data to initiate preventive measures before conditions become critical.
3. Elevating Base Station Equipment Above 5 Meters and Strengthening Backup Power Systems
Following last year’s floods, when water levels reached approximately 3–4 meters in some parts of Hatyai, True has strengthened flood protection at high-risk base stations through the following measures:
- Elevating equipment at selected base stations to more than 5 meters above ground level to reduce flood exposure.
- Increasing backup battery capacity to extend operating time during power outages.
- Installing elevated platforms for backup generators to keep them above flood levels.
- Preparing generators for deployment at strategic base stations before floodwaters reach the sites.
4. Strengthening Core Network Facilities and Base Stations, Extending Fuel Reserves to Approximately 72 Hours
True has reinforced flood protection at core network facilities and base stations by elevating transformers and air-conditioning equipment, strengthening flood barriers, and improving water pumping systems to reduce risks to critical network infrastructure.
The company has also expanded fuel reserves for backup generators to support approximately 72 hours, or three days, of operation, with additional fuel storage capacity. These measures help maintain network operations during prolonged power outages and when flooding disrupts fuel transportation.
5. Adding Redundant Communication Links for Hospitals and Strategic Sites
True has strengthened network redundancy for critical infrastructure, including Hatyai Hospital, by deploying microwave transmission links as backup routes when primary fiber-optic connections are disrupted.
This builds on True’s network recovery operations during the 2025 floods, which prioritized government command centers, hospitals, Hatyai International Airport, Wing 56, and evacuation shelters to support emergency coordination and relief operations.
Beyond Hatyai, True Corporation is expanding disaster preparedness across flood-prone provinces in Southern Thailand while strengthening home internet network resilience. The company has prepared base stations and network equipment in Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Surat Thani, based on the risk levels of individual areas.
For home internet services, True has elevated the installation points of Outdoor Optical Line Terminal (OLT) equipment, which connects and distributes internet services through fiber-optic networks, in flood-prone areas. Engineering teams and replacement equipment are also being prepared to support service restoration after floodwaters recede.
In collaboration with government agencies, True continues to coordinate with the NBTC, DDPM, and local authorities while conducting disaster response exercises. True and the NBTC previously conducted joint inspections in Hatyai to assess and strengthen mobile base station preparedness. The company also participated in the National Crisis Management Exercise 2026, organized by the DDPM, to test communications readiness and inter-agency coordination during emergencies.
True has also coordinated with Hatyai Municipality and local agencies on equipment transportation and access to critical sites during flooding. In parallel, the company has conducted disaster response simulations, assigning primary and backup engineering teams to enable rapid response and network recovery.
“The key is to identify risks early and take preventive action before an emergency occurs. By combining AI-powered risk prediction, stronger network infrastructure, extended backup power, and engineering response drills, we aim to help people, government agencies, hospitals, and rescue teams maintain access to essential communications, even during severe flooding,” Mr. Jirachai added.
True Corporation remains prepared to closely monitor flood risks across Southern Thailand, with engineering teams ready to respond and coordinate with relevant authorities. The company continues to focus on maintaining communications services, minimizing disruption to customers, and supporting emergency relief efforts before, during, and after potential flooding.
