In a post issued yesterday (Mar 23), Gov Nirat promoted the ‘Thai Pump Radar’ platform (click here), describing it as part of Phuket’s move towards “smart energy” management through cooperation between public and private sectors.
The system, developed in collaboration with the Phuket Provincial Energy Office, allows users to monitor fuel availability at petrol stations in real time via an interactive map. Key features include the ability to check fuel status at nearby stations, view queue density based on user activity, and share updates with images to improve data accuracy.
Officials say the platform is intended to reduce confusion and improve access to timely information as fuel prices fluctuate and concerns persist over supply disruptions linked to unrest in the Middle East.
The website, accessible via mobile phones and computers without requiring a dedicated app download, also provides an overview of fuel availability at both provincial and national levels. It supports Thai and English language interfaces in an effort to assist both local residents and foreign tourists.
However, despite the governor’s claim of English-language functionality, much of the information on the site remains in Thai. While users can switch the main menu into English, detailed content and updates are not fully translated.
In addition, users are required to register and log in via the LINE messaging application before they can contribute updates or access some features of the platform.
The initiative forms part of a broader national push to improve fuel monitoring systems. According to the Ministry of Energy, officials are working with the developer of the original ‘Pump Radar’ application, created by Chanon Ngernthongdee, to enhance its backend and encourage petrol station operators to input real-time data directly.
Authorities are also preparing to launch a separate platform, ‘Fuel Now’, which will track fuel distribution routes and availability nationwide using data integrated from provincial energy offices.
At the provincial level, energy offices across the country have begun publishing daily updates on petrol station status via social media, listing locations and available fuel types to help motorists plan ahead.
The rollout of digital tracking tools comes alongside other measures introduced in Phuket to safeguard fuel supplies. Police have already authorised 24-hour fuel truck operations across the island, temporarily lifting restrictions on tanker movements to ensure steady deliveries to petrol stations.
Officials say the combined measures are designed to maintain public confidence, support businesses and ensure sufficient fuel supply as Thailand approaches the busy Songkran holiday period next month.