Report Thailand Set to Revamp Drone Laws to Boost Commercial Use

[webfact]

Picture courtesy of Wikipedia

 

Thailand is preparing for a major overhaul of its drone regulations, following directives from the Transport Ministry aimed at fostering the growth of commercial drone operations.

 

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) is set to amend the Air Navigation Act, updating a law that has been in place since 1954. These amendments, expected to roll out later this year, will introduce over 30 new measures tailored specifically for drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), ensuring enhanced aviation safety and better aligning with international standards.

 

The updated rules will cater to both domestic and international air carriers and incorporate safety guidelines from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

 

Notably, regulations have already been adjusted to accommodate heavier drones, surpassing 25 kilogrammes, with changes effective from 1st September 2024. This shift has already sparked a rise in the deployment of large-scale drones, particularly in industrial sectors.

 

The CAAT is not stopping at regulatory changes; it is actively championing initiatives that integrate drones into everyday services. One such initiative is a pioneering drone delivery service trial in Bangkok.

 

 

 

Set to launch in June, this trial will test drone deliveries between Bang Rak National Telecom Office and the popular Iconsiam shopping complex across the Chao Phraya River. Following this pilot, CAAT plans to invite proposals for more drone delivery routes based on assessed demand.

 

Since drone operations kicked off in 2018, CAAT has authorised an impressive 127,507 UAV operations. Among these, roughly 10% are agricultural drones, another 10% managed by foreign entities, with smaller drones comprising the remainder.

 

Currently, around 60,000 individuals are registered drone operators, yet CAAT estimates an additional 20,000 drones remain unregistered. New regulations will mandate all drone operators to secure a drone aviation certificate from CAAT by September 1st.

 

Overall, these steps demonstrate Thailand's commitment to embracing technological advancements and positioning itself as a leader in the burgeoning realm of commercial drone use.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-04-29

 

 

[Humpy]

So, to fly a 500gr drone around my garden or over my pool will I need a commercial pilots licence ?

[CFCol]

27 minutes ago, Humpy said:

So, to fly a 500gr drone around my garden or over my pool will I need a commercial pilots licence ?

No, but you cannot fly within 30 meters of a building and if it has a camera, you need to be licensed and the drone registered.

[Will B Good]

Interesting.

 

A neighbour of ours has just invested heavily in a large fertiliser drone for the sugarcane fields......hope he hasn't been shafted by any of this.

[lordgrinz]

Drone laws here aren't worth the effort to have one, maybe for Thai's, but not worth the effort for farangs. 

[kickstart]

6 hours ago, Will B Good said:

Interesting.

 

A neighbour of ours has just invested heavily in a large fertiliser drone for the sugarcane fields......hope he hasn't been shafted by any of this.

In my area they are popular used for spraying rice and maize crops, and spreading fertilizer, been using them for 4-5 years now, and the price charged per rie has come down over the past 2 years, about the only thing that has come down in Thailand.