The army plans to set up a <i>saifa</i> (thunderbolt) unit to help people in emergency situations.
Army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha announced the plan on Monday while expressing concern over unexpected incidents such as the massive electricity blackout across the southern provinces last Tuesday.
The unit would serve as a "disaster relief team" and would be the first of its kind, he said in a speech to mark the 89th anniversary of the army's Signals Department.
The unit would serve under the department.
One of the army's responsibilities is responding to sudden emergencies, Gen Prayuth said.
He also ordered the Signals Department, which comprises communication specialists, to ensure communication links remain intact in emergency situations.
"Soldiers must be among the first groups to reach people in times of trouble," he said.