The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) is actively progressing with its strategy to enhance the drone industry by partnering with both public and private sectors to launch delivery drone trials by 2025.
Air Chief Marshal Manat Chavanaprayoon, Director of CAAT, underscored the authority’s dual role in both regulating and fostering the appropriate and efficient deployment of drones.
He highlighted the introduction of the UAS Portal system, which simplifies the processes for drone operator and drone registrations via a swift online platform.
Additionally, the portal offers detailed guidelines for those interested in drone operations and is poised to oversee drone airspace management in the future, he noted.
Mr. Manat mentioned that CAAT is working alongside various stakeholders to formulate a comprehensive “Drone Master Plan,” which will serve as a national roadmap for Thailand.
This strategic plan encompasses critical elements such as policy, legislation, workforce development, infrastructure preparedness, safety, national security, and the protection of personal data.
Starting this year, CAAT will also begin accrediting training centers and drone pilot training programs. These initiatives are designed to cultivate professionals who are well-versed in aviation, legal standards, and the secure operation of drone technologies.
Moreover, CAAT is advocating for the introduction of “urban delivery drones” by the year 2025.
The agency is collaborating with the National Telecom Public Company Limited (NT), Thailand Post, Aeronautical Radio of Thailand, pertinent government bodies, and private sector entities to outline the testing locations and methods in the Bangkok metropolitan area.
These trials will set the stage for CAAT to eventually grant delivery drone licenses to competent private operators, Manat added.
