Bangkok: NT joins hands with CAAT to transform modern air transport using unmanned aircraft or drones with a safe air traffic management system using a digital platform.
According to Thai News Agency, National Telecom Public Company Limited (NT) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) held a press conference titled “The New Era of Drone Delivery.” The event aimed to promote innovation in drone usage across various sectors and industries, featuring demonstrations of delivery models and an integrated air traffic management digital platform. Notable attendees included Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, and Minister of Digital Economy and Society, Mr. Chaichanok Chidchob.
NT is focused on advancing Thailand’s digital landscape to facilitate the transition to drone delivery and smart city mobility. The company’s comprehensive telecommunications and data infrastructure serves as a vital foundation for innovative air transport solutions. By collaborating with government agencies and private partners, NT supports the adoption of unmanned aerial vehicle technology in sectors such as healthcare, emergency response, and commercial cargo. Its air traffic management platform offers real-time drone flight tracking and secure airspace management, promoting efficiency and transparency. NT’s recent infrastructure upgrades, including the 700 MHz spectrum, fiber optic network, and secure cloud services, enhance its ability to support air logistics operators, ensuring compliance and scalability.
NT’s ongoing partnership with regulators aims to make drone delivery services an integral part of daily life in Thailand. The company reaffirms its commitment to acting as a trusted digital infrastructure provider for smart cities, logistics, and unmanned aerial systems, keeping national interests and public safety at the forefront.
Mr. Pipat emphasized that modern air transport using drones will offer new transportation options for medical, commercial, and long-distance purposes, preparing Thailand for the digital economy. He instructed the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand to monitor the situation closely, considering current challenges such as the Thai-Cambodian border dispute, cross-border scams, and regional conflicts. He also highlighted the potential use of drones for drug transport.
Mr. Chaichanok noted that drone-based air transport could alleviate traffic problems in major cities and is a crucial initial step. He mentioned the importance of registration, proper flight scheduling, and legislation to manage drone usage, especially in areas facing border disputes.
Colonel Sanphachai Huvanandana, President and CEO of NT, stated that NT’s infrastructure and partnerships with international experts in digital platforms for unmanned aircraft management enable accurate and seamless flight management. NT also offers the ‘my by NT’ SIM card on the 700 MHz spectrum to ensure continuous and efficient drone flight tracking. The signal tests have been positive, supporting the growing number of commercial drone operators in Thailand.
Air Chief Marshal Manat Chavanaprayoon, Director-General of CAAT, highlighted CAAT’s role in overseeing aviation safety and promoting aviation growth. Supporting innovation in aviation technology for unmanned aircraft and drones is a key mission, and NT’s digital infrastructure plays a crucial role in enhancing flight capabilities and air traffic management for drones.
During the event, NT showcased a digital platform for managing delivery drones. Demonstrations included:
– Skyler Solutions Co., Ltd. delivering AED equipment from ICONSIAM across the Chao Phraya River to River City Bangkok.
– Ama Marine Public Company Limited transporting medical supplies from Hat Tei Ngam to Koh Kai Tia, Chonburi Province.
– Avilon Robotics Co., Ltd. flying drones to transport consumer goods from Koh Samui to Koh Tan, Surat Thani Province.