The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), in collaboration with King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL) and private sector partners, has modified solar farm floating pontoons into multi-purpose rescue raft to deliver much needed aid to flood-affected communities.
Prof Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Minister of MHESI, inspected the flood situation at Phra Chom Klao Ladkrabang Pier yesterday and tested a newly developed rescue raft along Prawet Buri Rom Canal.
The modular platform features a flexible design that can be quickly assembled, detached or resized according to operational needs.
The prototype tested on Thursday spans 47 square metres, with a maximum load capacity of approximately 3,000 kilogrammes, though standard operating loads will sit at around 2,000 kilogrammes.
Designed with a low draught and minimal hydrodynamic friction, the raft easily navigates shallow waters and narrow waterways without requiring heavy tugboats.
During the field test, Prof. Dr. Yodchanan joined teams aboard the raft, towed by a low-noise, low-wake electric boat to protect canal-side homes, to distribute survival bags, food, drinking water and medicine to residents at the Hua Takhe Market community.
He noted that, beyond emergency logistics, the modular pontoons could eventually be adapted into floating debris collection platforms.
Following the trial, MHESI plans to hand the rescue rafts over to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) for future relief operations.
After the waterborne mission, the delegation visited the Disaster and Safety Management Centre at KMITL's main auditorium.
The facility has been converted into a temporary shelter, providing food and medical aid for displaced residents and their pets, supported by royal kitchen units, the Royal Thai Army, the BMA and partner ministries.
