Application of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Technology by the Army Aviation Center in Disaster Relief Operations

Abstract

Disasters, particularly forest fires in Northern Thailand, are among the major threats that impact national security in various aspects, including the environment, public health, the economy, and the country's international image. Forest fires occur annually and are a primary cause of air pollution, especially fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which poses serious health risks to the human respiratory system. Due to the limitations of traditional methods in controlling and suppressing forest fires, the use of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology has been increasingly adopted in various operations. UAVs offer significant advantages such as the ability to access difficult terrains, high maneuverability, and the capacity to be equipped with sensors and thermal imaging cameras for hotspot detection. Moreover, UAVs can carry out missions continuously and with high precision, making them highly effective tools in supporting wildfire prevention and suppression. This research paper aims to study the roles, capabilities, and effectiveness of UAVs operated by the Army Aviation Center in addressing forest fire issues in Northern Thailand. It also analyzes strategies for optimizing the application of this technology in future disaster management contexts.