GML Exhibition (Thailand) is set to host DronTech Asia 2024, the first international drone exhibition and conference in Asia, tapping into the rapid growth of the commercial drone market.
This event will take place from November 25 to November 27 this year at the IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center in Bangkok.
In 2021, the global market for commercial drones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles, was valued at US$20.8 billion.
It is projected to surge to $1.2 trillion by 2030, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14% over the forecast period from 2022 to 2030, according to Straits Research.
Manu Leopairote, chairman of GML Exhibition (Thailand), a leading organizer in the region, highlighted the increasing adoption of drones across various sectors as a means to reduce manual labor and enhance business efficiencies.
He cited uses such as inventory management in warehouses, agricultural tasks like watering and fertilizing, and capturing aerial photos and videos, as explained by Mr. Manu.
Considering this growth, the company sees many opportunities to support such expansion, he said.
Mr. Manu attributed the rapid rise in commercial drone use to their enhanced speed, durability, strength, and precision, which have broadened their applications across fields including agriculture, energy, construction, and logistics.
The drone market in the Asia-Pacific region is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 19.8% from 2020 to 2025, propelled by increased adoption in sectors such as agriculture, mining, security, and construction.
DronTech Asia 2024 aims to draw 5,000 participants, including buyers from over 100 industries, investors, venture capitalists, researchers, academics, drone advocates, and enthusiasts, as stated by GML.
The event will highlight the capabilities and benefits of drones, showcasing Southeast Asia’s expanding leadership in the sector and creating opportunities for both local and international drone companies to connect with end users, system integrators, customers, and business influencers.
The expo is supported by various organizations including the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (Depa), the Defence Technology Institute, the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, the Drone Association of Thailand, and other governmental bodies.
Preesan Rakwatin, executive vice-president of Depa, discussed the recent launch of the One Tambon, One Digital (Drone Jai) project, aimed at enhancing drone usage among farmers by improving their knowledge, skills, and maintenance capabilities.
Depa backs the sector with advanced drone services for maintenance, spraying, and distribution, he added.
After the project’s first year, Depa anticipates the establishment of 50 drone maintenance service centers nationwide.
This initiative is expected to promote drone technology adoption in approximately 500 communities within the agricultural sector, potentially generating at least 350 million baht in economic value, according to Mr. Preesan.
The project aligns with the government’s strategy to bolster national digital capabilities and strengthen competitiveness.
Chatchai Puntragul, manager of the Unmanned Aircraft Standards Department at CAAT, noted the need to address regulatory issues to facilitate future drone usage.
He mentioned the need for regulations concerning various drone applications, including medium-sized drones, registration, certification of drone pilot training centers, and drone pilot licenses at both basic and advanced levels.
