Abstract: To address the challenges of drilling in multi-structural soft coal seams, this study proposes a technical approach utilizing long, directional boreholes aligned with the seam to implement large-scale pre-mining drainage at the working face. A thorough analysis of issues with water-powered directional drilling techniques was conducted. Building upon this, and integrating existing pneumatic directional drilling methods, a rapid pneumatic directional drilling device for soft coal was developed. This device features real-time online monitoring and intelligent fire suppression capabilities for spontaneous combustion within drilled coal strata, enhancing both drilling speed and safety in soft coal formations. Pneumatic directional drilling tests were conducted in multi-structural thin soft coal seams. Comparative analysis with prior hydraulic directional drilling gas extraction parameters revealed: pneumatic directional drilling achieved approximately 38% higher platform efficiency, 42.8% higher screen pipe deployment rate, 23.73% increased average borehole concentration, and 52.26% higher average net gas extraction volume. Test results demonstrate that this pneumatic directional drilling equipment set exhibits stable performance, user-friendly operation, and high safety standards. It effectively meets the requirements for pneumatic directional drilling in multi-structural soft coal formations, providing technical support for gas control measures in similar mining areas.