Revised Base Article:
Amendments to drone regulations underway, driven by commercial utilization advocates
Thailand's Civil Aviation Authority (CAAT) is gearing up to revise the Air Navigation Act to boost the nationwide expansion of drone aviation. With over 30 fresh regulations in the pipeline, the updated law aims to enhance safety and technical operations, aligning Thai aviation regulations with international safety standards.
As per ACM Manat Chavanaprayoon, the Transport Ministry has instructed CAAT to revise the Air Navigation Act, established in 1954, with a sharp focus on ensuring aviation safety and ensuring smooth technical operations. This revised law is expected to roll out this year, introducing specific provisions tailored for drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
The primary objective of these amendments is to emulate global aviation safety protocols, such as those formulated by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). Notably, these updates will apply to both domestic and international air carriers, as per ACM Manat.
To propel the adoption of drones in the industrial sector, the CAAT has already amended regulations, permitting drones weighing over 25 kilograms, effective as of Sept 1, 2024. This move has catalyzed the increased use of large drones.
In addition to the legislative changes, the CAAT has spearheaded numerous initiatives to foster the drone industry's growth. One such project is a delivery drone service trial slated to begin in Bangkok's city center during June. The trial will connect the Bang Rak National Telecom Office with Iconsiam, crossing the Chao Phraya River. Once operational, CAAT will invite operators to propose additional drone delivery routes based on popular demand.
Since 2018, the CAAT has endorsed over 127,507 UAV operations. Approximately 10% of these operations are agricultural drones, another 10% are carried out by foreign entities, while the remainder revolve around small drones.
With the new regulations coming into effect, all drone operators will be compelled to acquire a drone aviation certificate from CAAT by Sept 1. So far, around 60,000 individuals have registered as drone operators, with an estimated 20,000 drones lacking registration. As per CAAT, the new regulations will rectify this situation.
The civil aviation authority is also planning to certify drone training centers and pilot courses in 2025 to ensure compliance with aviation laws and safety protocols. Furthermore, the UAS Portal system is being developed to manage drone registration and future airspace integration. This portal is set to simplify drone registration processes and facilitate long-term growth in the industry.
- The revised Thai Air Navigation Act, which focuses on drone aviation, aims to enhance safety and technical operations by aligning with international safety standards, such as those formulated by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
- In the future, all drone operators in Thailand will be required to acquire a drone aviation certificate from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAAT) by September 1, as new regulations come into effect.
- To encourage the growth of the drone industry in Thailand, the CAAT has amended regulations, allowing drones weighing over 25 kilograms, effective from Sept 1, 2024.
- The Bangkok city center will witness a delivery drone service trial commencing in June, connecting the Bang Rak National Telecom Office with Iconsiam, as the CAAT endeavors to foster the drone industry's growth.
