Thailand Launches Medical Drone Program With True SkyBridge Platform

The Ministry of Public Health, in collaboration with True Corporation, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, and Thai Radio Navigation Corporation (AEROTHAI), has launched a medical drone operation program to honor the King and introduced True SkyBridge, Thailand's first automated air logistics management platform for healthcare.

Operations begin in Pua District, Nan Province under the "Pua Model," using drones to transport medications, medical supplies, and medical samples to mountainous and disaster-prone areas. The system reduces distance and time limitations, enabling faster public access to medical services. The program plans to expand to 10 additional remote locations nationwide, including Thepratana Wetchaanukul Hospital in Mae Chaem District, Chiang Mai. Narindr Kallyanamitra, adviser to the Minister of Public Health, stated that the program aligns with policies to develop healthcare services accessible to all, especially in remote areas, while improving emergency response and disaster management through drone technology in the health system.

True Corporation launched True SkyBridge, an automated air logistics platform developed by its research and innovation center that supports multiple drone brands. The system uses AI for route planning, flight control, and real-time mission tracking, with safety protocols and audit trails to enhance Thailand's public health logistics infrastructure. The initial demonstration featured two missions: delivering chronic disease medications over a 4-kilometer round trip in 3.5 minutes—50% faster than ground transport—and delivering emergency medications over 46 kilometers in 35 minutes, reducing transport time by 70% compared to the previous 2-hour ground route. The initiative aims to integrate medical drones into the nationwide healthcare system for both routine and emergency services.