Supreme Commander General Boonsrang Niampradit said yesterday the system, that utilises military technology and hardware, could be used during crises in place of "mainstay" systems.

The military developed the emergency communication system after a suggestion of His Majesty the King following the failure of regular systems during natural disasters, including the 2004 tsunami and wet-season mudslides in the North last year.

A recent test transmitted video via an airborne relay station using a United-States made AU-23 Peacemaker light attack aircraft. The signal was sent from an airbase outside Bangkok to Air Force headquarters at Don Muang.

Audio was transmitted on the 30 MHz to 400 MHz frequency between two ground stations 150 kilometres apart through another airborne relay station, this time a US-made C-123 Provider transport, Boonsrang said. The new system could be used for disaster relief in the event of a mainstay failure, he said.

The military and other state agencies will conduct a drill to simulate emergency public health services and relief assistance between March 27 to 30 in Prachuap Khiri Khan's Muang district.

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont will participate via video-conference.