Thai Skies Open Up: New Drone Regulations on the Horizon
Updating drone regulations in response to increased commercial demand
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) is set to spur the growth of drone aviation nationwide, with an updated Air Navigation Act coming later this year. As instructed by the Transport Ministry, the goal is to enhance both safety and technical operations.
On the books since 1954, the Air Navigation Act will soon undergo a revamp, with at least 30 new measures planned, many specifically tailored for drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The changes aim to ensure Thailand's regulations adhere to international safety standards, including those of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
But, it's not just new legislation on the way. The CAAT is also egging on commercial drone usage in the industrial sector. Seemingly in response, recent changes to regulations now cater to drones weighing over 25kg, effective from September 1, 2024. This shift has ushered in increased use of large drones across industries.
Moving beyond legislation, the CAAT has rolled out a series of initiatives to support the burgeoning drone industry. One such project involves a trial of drone delivery services in downtown Bangkok, slated to start in June. Connecting the Bang Rak National Telecom Office and Iconsiam, crossing the Chao Phraya River, this trial is just the beginning. Post-trial, the CAAT invites reputable operators to propose more drone delivery routes based on demand.
Since 2018, the CAAT has seen action, approving no less than 127,507 UAV operations. About 10% of these permits are for agricultural drones, and another 10% are for foreign entities. The remainder involves small drones.
As of now, roughly 60,000 individuals have registered as drone operators, though an estimated 20,000 more remain unregistered. Under the new regulations, all drone operators must secure a drone aviation certificate from the CAAT by September 1. This requirement also includes registering on the UAS Portal system, a streamlined digital platform for managing drone and operator registrations.
Crafted for a more regulated and skilled drone operation landscape, these new regulations paint a promising future for Thailand's drone industry. In fact, Thailand is soon to evolve a "Drone Master Plan," a national blueprint that covers aspects such as policy, legislation, training facilities, infrastructure readiness, safety, national security, and data privacy.
Don't miss the chance to ride this tide of change. Keep an eye out for more developments in the world of Thai drone regulations. The future's never looked brighter for drones in Thailand! 🛩️🌞️🚀
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has announced plans to update the Air Navigation Act, which governs drone aviation, with at least 30 new measures specifically tailored for drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) being considered. This revamp aims to ensure Thailand's regulations meet international safety standards, including those of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
Recent changes to regulations also now cater to drones weighing over 25kg, effective from September 1, 2024, potentially leading to increased use of large drones across industries.
In a bid to support the drone industry, the CAAT has launched initiatives such as a trial of drone delivery services in downtown Bangkok, which is set to begin in June. Under the new regulations, all drone operators must secure a drone aviation certificate from the CAAT by September 1, and register on the UAS Portal system, a digital platform for managing drone and operator registrations. This move is part of Thailand's drive to create a more regulated and skilled drone operation landscape.
