Thai Scientist Cuts Ambulance Cleaning From 2 Hours to 15 Min

While the world struggled through the pandemic, Dr. Bhornrat Chaimongkol suited up in full PPE and walked into contaminated ambulances collecting samples, determined to solve a problem that was costing lives.

Emergency ambulances traditionally need two hours of intensive cleaning between patients, following WHO protocols that require manual scrubbing, chemical disinfection, and prolonged ventilation. During a crisis, that delay can mean the difference between life and death.

Dr. Bhornrat, a senior scientist at Thailand's Department of Science Service, created the Advanced Oxidation Process system that uses remote-controlled fogging to sanitize ambulances in just 15 minutes. The fine mist reaches every corner, including air conditioning systems and microscopic crevices that manual cleaning misses.

The numbers tell an extraordinary story. Her system uses 25 milliliters of disinfectant per cycle compared to 1 liter for traditional methods. Each cleaning costs 6 baht instead of 100 baht. Most remarkably, the entire system costs 40,000 baht to produce while imported alternatives cost 10 million baht.

In April 2025, Dr. Bhornrat presented her work at the International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva, often called the Innovation Olympics. Thailand earned a gold medal, a special prize from Saudi Arabia, and an honorable mention from the National Research Council of Thailand.

The breakthrough does more than save time and money. By automating the process, medical personnel no longer need to enter contaminated vehicles to scrub them down manually. This protects first responders from exposure to dangerous pathogens and harsh chemicals like hydrogen peroxide.

The Ripple Effect

Dr. Bhornrat's innovation proves that world-class healthcare technology doesn't have to come from wealthy nations or cost millions. Her system has reached real-world pilot programs in Bangkok, Samut Prakan, Pathum Thani, Laem Chabang, and Chonburi through partnerships with Chulalongkorn University and the National Institute for Emergency Medicine.

The technology represents what Dr. Bhornrat calls Thailand's shift from "research on a shelf" to life-saving solutions. She's following a 135-year tradition at the Department of Science Service, founded on the principle that nations must build their own scientific capabilities rather than depend on imports.

For a country traditionally seen as a buyer of Western medical technology, Thailand is now exporting its own innovations. Dr. Bhornrat's work shows that local scientists can outpace international corporations in solving urgent healthcare challenges when they focus on real-world problems instead of abstract research.

Her advice to the next generation is simple: science must leave the laboratory to solve actual problems people face every day. Thailand is proving that developing nations can lead the way in medical innovation when brilliant minds get the support they need.