Thailand to launch delivery drone trials in Bangkok this year
BANGKOK: The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) is moving forward with plans to promote the drone industry by integrating public and private sectors to initiate delivery drone trials within 2025.
Air Chief Marshal Manat Chavanaprayoon, Director of CAAT, emphasised CAAT's role in regulating and promoting the proper and efficient use of drones.
He highlighted the implementation of UAS Portal system, which streamlines drone operator and drone registrations through a fast online platform.
The portal also provides comprehensive guidance for those interested in drone operations and will be equipped to manage drone airspace in the future, he added.
Manat said that CAAT is collaborating with various sectors to develop a comprehensive 'Drone Master Plan' or a national roadmap for Thailand.
- Photo: caat.thailand/Facebook
This plan covers key aspects including policy, legislation, personnel development, infrastructure readiness, safety, national security, and personal data protection.
Starting this year, CAAT will begin certifying training centers and drone pilot training courses. These programs aim to produce skilled professionals with a solid understanding of aviation, legal regulations, and the safe use of drone technology.
In addition, CAAT is pushing for the deployment of 'urban delivery drones' by 2025.
The agency is working with National Telecom Public Company Limited (NT), Thailand Post, Aeronautical Radio of Thailand, related government agencies, and interested private companies to plan testing venues and methodology in Bangkok metropolitan area.
The trials will pave way for CAAT to issue delivery drone licenses to qualified private operators in the future, said Manat. - The Nation/ANN
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malay Mail
11 hours ago
- Malay Mail
In Taiping, former engineer's ‘kantan' farming blossoms into community lifeline
TAIPING, Aug 11 — Who would have thought that plants that complement the flavours of dishes like asam pedas, laksa and kerabu could become a profitable source of income for those with the vision to seize the opportunity? For former engineer Abd Halim Abd Majid, 50, from Kampung Batu 9, Trong, venturing into kantan (torch ginger) farming not only provided a steady income but also opened doors to new agricultural opportunities, particularly in producing and selling kantan seedlings. As the Taiping Kantan Project Manager, Abd Halim said the idea took root during the Covid-19 Movement Control Order (MCO) after discussions with his partner, Mohammad Hazwan Mohamad Nor, 45, who had 15 years' experience in kantan cultivation. 'A friend suggested we focus on producing kantan seeds instead of just planting for flowers. Hazwan encouraged me to try germinating seeds from the flower itself rather than using rhizomes like ginger or turmeric,' he said. In March 2022, the experiment succeeded, producing 800 seedlings in about three months, each reaching 20cm in height. Soon after, bulk orders came in — 300 plants at a time — confirming high market demand. To date, they have produced over 15,000 seedlings, marketed primarily through Facebook. — Bernama pic In March 2022, the experiment succeeded, producing 800 seedlings in about three months, each reaching 20cm in height. Soon after, bulk orders came in — 300 plants at a time — confirming high market demand. To date, they have produced over 15,000 seedlings, marketed primarily through Facebook. Buyers now come from Perak as well as Muar, Gua Musang, Kuantan, Kedah, and Perlis. With growing demand, Abd Halim extended opportunities to the asnaf (tithe recipients) and low-income groups, encouraging them to use their home yards for kantan seedling cultivation. He said several of the asnaf families were able to cultivate between 2,000 to 3,000 kantan seedlings. His team buys back their produce, thus helping to boost their household income. Seedlings sell for RM3.50 to RM60, depending on size and age. Abd Halim showing torch ginger seedlings at his farm. — Bernama pic 'The high demand allows us to sell 400 to 500 seeds a week with an average income of about RM2,500 a month,' he added. In 2023, they sold over 40,000 seedlings, yet demand still exceeds supply. They have since diversified into downstream products, including kantan flower sambal bilis, which has received an encouraging market response. Abd Halim, who is also the deputy chairman of the Al-Akram Larut Matang and Selama Welfare Organisation (Pekebal), hopes to eventually take the product overseas. Meanwhile, Mohammad Hazwan describes kantan as a hardy herbal plant with low disease risk, producing flowers within 12-14 months with proper care. Kantan Taiping project manager Abd Halim Abd Majid, 50, (left) with his business partner Mohammad Hazwan Mohamad Nor, 45, working at their torch ginger farm. — Bernama pic Beyond seedlings, entrepreneurs also supply fresh kantan flowers — whether unopened, partially bloomed, or fully bloomed — to markets and wholesalers, priced around RM0.50 each. He expressed gratitude to the Perak Agriculture Department and other agencies for their support and encouraged more youth to enter the field. 'Instead of leaving land idle, planting kantan is a better option. It's low-maintenance, offers steady demand, and can provide side income,' he said. — Bernama
The Sun
18 hours ago
- The Sun
Malaysia and Senegal strengthen bilateral ties in trade and halal industry
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Senegal are working to strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade, investment, haj, waqf, and the halal industry. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim highlighted these areas as key discussion points during a courtesy visit by Senegal's Minister of African Integration and Foreign Affairs, Yassine Fall. 'We also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, including developments in West Asia and the African continent,' Anwar said in a Facebook post. Fall is on a two-day official visit to Malaysia, reciprocating Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan's trip to Senegal in May 2024. In 2024, Malaysia's trade with Senegal reached RM1.37 billion, with exports amounting to RM1.35 billion and imports valued at RM14.1 million. The discussions reflect both nations' commitment to expanding economic and diplomatic ties. The halal industry remains a significant area of potential growth for Malaysia and Senegal. This visit underscores ongoing efforts to deepen collaboration between the two countries. Trade and investment opportunities are expected to benefit businesses in both markets. The meeting also addressed shared concerns in regional stability and development. Malaysia continues to strengthen its partnerships with African nations. Senegal's engagement signals growing interest in Southeast Asian markets. Both leaders emphasised the importance of mutual economic growth. The halal sector presents a key avenue for future joint ventures. Malaysia's expertise in Islamic finance and waqf management was also discussed. The visit marks a step forward in enhancing diplomatic and economic relations. Future collaborations may include knowledge-sharing in Islamic economic practices. The talks align with Malaysia's broader strategy to expand its global trade network. Senegal's participation highlights Africa's increasing role in international trade. The meeting concluded with optimism for stronger bilateral ties ahead. - Bernama
The Star
19 hours ago
- The Star
Malaysia, Senegal working to deepen bilateral ties, says Anwar
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim received a courtesy call from Senegal's Minister of African Integration and Foreign Affairs Yassine Fall on Monday (Aug 11). Photo: FATH RIZAL / Prime Minister's Office KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Senegal are working to strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade, investment, haj, waqf, and halal industry, which hold significant potential for joint development, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister said these areas were among the key topics discussed during a courtesy call by Senegal's Minister of African Integration and Foreign Affairs, Yassine Fall, earlier Monday (Aug 11). "We also exchanged views on various regional and international issues of mutual concern, including developments in the Middle East and the African continent," Anwar said in a Facebook post. Fall is in Malaysia for a two-day official visit starting Monday as a reciprocation of the official visit by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan to Senegal in May 2024. In 2024, Malaysia's total trade with Senegal reached RM1.37bil, with Malaysian exports accounting for RM1.35bil and imports from Senegal valued at RM14.1mil. - Bernama
