Latest news with #ManatChavanaprayoon
Bangkok Post
31-07-2025
- Bangkok Post
Cambodian reinforcement efforts continuing, says Thai army
Cambodia is continuing to reinforce its troops along the border with Thailand and suspicious drones are spying on Thai military units in border provinces, according to the 2nd Army Region. The regional army command said on Thursday morning that Cambodia had increased and strengthened its forces along the border. Unidentified drones, it added, have been deployed in many areas including: Chong Aan Mah crossing in Nam Yuen district of Ubon Ratchathani; Phu Makua, Satta Som, Prasat Don Tuan and Phu Phee in Kantharalak district of Si Sa Ket; Chong Chom in Kap Choeng district of Surin; and Chong Sai Taku in Ban Kruat district of Buri Ram. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand on Thursday announced a nationwide ban on civilian drones. ACM Manat Chavanaprayoon, the CAAT director, said the move represented an expansion of the ban that began on Wednesday in high-risk provinces where drones could threaten national security. The 2nd Army Region also reported that it had detained 20 Cambodian troops who surrendered at the Chong Sam Tae crossing in Kantharalak district of Si Sa Ket after they ran out of ammunition. It said the soldiers were being prosecuted for illegal entry into Thailand. Two of them were injured and admitted to Fort Weerawatyothin Hospital in Surin.
The Star
11-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Thailand launches aviation hub plan, eyes Suvarnabhumi for maintenance, repair, and operations centre
BANGKOK: Thailand advances its Aviation Hub plan at Suvarnabhumi, aiming to build an MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations) centre as global players like Airbus, Boeing, and ST Engineering show interest. Air Chief Marshal Manat Chavanaprayoon, Director of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) and chairman of the Aviation Hub Committee for MRO development, stated that one of the initiative's primary goals is to establish a state-of-the-art MRO facility at Suvarnabhumi Airport. He noted that although Suvarnabhumi has been in operation for 19 years, it still lacks a fully integrated aircraft maintenance centre — an essential piece of infrastructure for a truly competitive aviation hub. "A section of land at Suvarnabhumi has already been designated for MRO under the airport's master development plan," he explained. "However, a specific master plan dedicated to MRO must still be created to align with operational needs and real-world usage. This will also give airlines landing at Suvarnabhumi the option of accessing high-quality maintenance services directly on-site." Manat stated that the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) centre project at Suvarnabhumi Airport will be a public-private partnership (PPP), with Thai companies expected to take a leading role. Several local aviation maintenance firms have already expressed interest in joining the initiative. The project has also garnered attention from major international players, including global aircraft manufacturers Airbus and Boeing, both of whom have shown interest in investing in the Suvarnabhumi MRO hub. Additionally, Singapore-based ST Engineering, a global leader in aircraft maintenance, has expressed interest in relocating its MRO operations from Changi Airport to Suvarnabhumi. "I had the opportunity to discuss with ST Engineering executives during my visit to Singapore last year. They are considering a move due to the increasing land lease costs in Singapore and Changi Airport's plan to repurpose MRO space for more profitable uses," said Manat. Manat emphasised that the MRO project at Suvarnabhumi should be driven primarily by Thai enterprises, with other interested companies joining under a unified structure to share resources and reduce operating costs. "This is a long-term project. If we take the lead and announce our readiness, it will help attract more investment," he noted. Addressing concerns about potential competition with the existing U-Tapao MRO facility, Manat clarified that the two centres will have distinct roles. The Suvarnabhumi MRO will focus on line maintenance and light to medium checks that require shorter turnaround times, while U-Tapao will handle heavy maintenance and aircraft overhauls, which demand longer ground time—something not feasible at the high-traffic Suvarnabhumi Airport. He also highlighted the crucial need for skilled aviation maintenance personnel. A key component of the Suvarnabhumi development plan includes establishing a comprehensive aviation training center. The government committee plans to establish an aviation personnel training centre at Suvarnabhumi under a PPP model. This all-in-one facility will train pilots, cabin crew, and aircraft technicians, similar to the large-scale training centre operated by All Nippon Airways (ANA) in Japan. The proposed center has already attracted interest from multiple airlines, particularly due to the current fragmented and high-cost training landscape. Centralising these services would improve efficiency and reduce costs for the aviation industry. In addition to the MRO and training centre, PPP investment opportunities are also being opened for general aviation infrastructure at Suvarnabhumi. This would support non-scheduled flights and further boost aviation sector capabilities. Simultaneously, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) is working to reform laws to facilitate Thai investment in air cargo businesses. One key initiative is to ease foreign ownership restrictions, currently capped at 49% for non-Thai stakeholders. To help local entrepreneurs establish air cargo airlines, CAAT is considering a phased approach: initially allowing Thai ownership at 20%, increasing to 30% within five years, and eventually reaching 100%. This would help foster a stronger, more competitive Thai presence in global air cargo markets. With this reform, Suvarnabhumi Airport could evolve into a key hub for international cargo operations, positioning Thailand as a central node in global logistics networks. "Today, foreign carriers dominate air cargo in and out of Thailand. If we want Thai businesses to thrive in this space, we must remove outdated restrictions," said Manat. CAAT expects to finalise its legal study within a year, paving the way for real progress in Thailand's air cargo sector. - The Nation/ANN
The Star
27-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
Thailand to launch delivery drone trials in Bangkok this year
- Photo: 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: 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
The Star
24-04-2025
- The Star
Thailand's new airport security rules for liquids, gels, and aerosols come into force
BANGKOK: Thailand has introduced new regulations governing how travellers can carry liquids, gels, and aerosols (LGAs) in their hand luggage at all public airports across the country. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) published these updated guidelines in the Royal Gazette on Tuesday (April 22), with immediate effect. These rules, officially titled "Announcement of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand Regarding the Rules for the Screening of Liquids, Gels, and Aerosols to be Carried on Board Aircraft or Brought into the Restricted Areas of Public Airports, B.E. 2568 (2025)," supersede previous regulations issued in 2019. The CAAT's directive, issued by its director, Air Chief Marshal Manat Chavanaprayoon, draws its authority from existing airport security protocols. It mandates that all LGAs being taken onto aircraft by passengers, crew, or airport staff must undergo thorough screening. The announcement clarifies the definition of "liquids, gels, and aerosols," encompassing a wide array of items from beverages and sauces to cosmetics, toiletries, and pressurized containers like sprays and foams. Even substances with both solid and liquid components, such as mascara and lip balm, fall under these regulations. Airport operators are now responsible for implementing these screening procedures for all LGAs destined for aircraft cabins or restricted airport zones. Under the new rules, individual containers of liquids, gels, and aerosols must not exceed 100 millilitres and must be held within a container of the same capacity, even if only partially full. Passengers are permitted to carry multiple items, provided the total volume does not exceed one litre per person. Airport authorities may also require passengers to consolidate these items into a single, transparent, re-sealable plastic bag, limited to one per person. This bag will be screened separately from other hand luggage and will not count towards an airline's carry-on baggage allowance. Airport operators are instructed to screen these LAGs separately at security checkpoints, unless advanced screening technology like X-ray scanners capable of detecting these items is in use. However, certain exemptions apply: Medication: Essential medicines accompanied by a doctor's note, prescription label, or accompanying documentation bearing the passenger's name are exempt. This also includes necessary baby food or milk, and medically required dietary items in quantities appropriate for the flight duration, subject to inspection at the security screening point. Crew and On-Duty Personnel: Crew members and other essential personnel are permitted to carry necessary personal-use LGAs in reasonable quantities for their operating hours, subject to security screening. Airport and Emergency Staff: Airport staff with authorisation to enter restricted areas, and emergency responders, may carry LGAs required for their duties, again subject to security screening. Duty-Free Purchases: LAGs bought at airport duty-free shops or on board aircraft are permitted, provided they are sealed in tamper-evident bags (STEBs) with proof of purchase from the day of travel and show no signs of being opened. Transfer and transit passengers will need to present these items for inspection at security checkpoints. Passengers are advised to check the regulations at their final destination and any transit airports before making duty-free purchases. Passengers carrying larger quantities of LGAs, either as part of their baggage or purchased before the security screening point, will be required to check these items in as hold luggage. The CAAT has also granted airport operators the discretion to implement stricter measures based on their security risk assessments. Finally, airports are mandated to clearly publicise these new rules to passengers, crew, airport staff, and authorised personnel throughout the passenger terminal, including check-in areas and security checkpoints, to ensure awareness before entering restricted zones. - The Nation/ANN
