From 27–29 August 2026, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), led by Mr. Kajonpat Maklin, Deputy Director General of CAAT, as Head of Delegation, together with CAAT representatives, participated in a knowledge- and experience-sharing meeting on the ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) at the Department of Civil Aviation of Lao PDR (DCAL). Representatives from DCAL and relevant Lao PDR stakeholders also participated in the meeting.
The meeting aimed to exchange knowledge, experience, and operational approaches related to the ICAO USOAP audit process. The CAAT delegation shared Thailand’s experience covering preparations prior to the audit, the audit process itself, as well as observations and practical approaches that could support Lao PDR in effectively preparing for future ICAO USOAP audits.
Both sides also exchanged views on various aspects of audit preparation, including the preparation of relevant documents, evidence, and supporting information; audit readiness exercises; the designation and assignment of responsible representatives; and the preparation of relevant organizations and stakeholders. These efforts are intended to ensure a systematic approach to audit preparation in alignment with the ICAO USOAP framework.
The exchange provided an important opportunity to further strengthen cooperation between the civil aviation authorities of Thailand and Lao PDR through the sharing of knowledge and practices that can be applied to enhance each country’s aviation safety oversight system, improving its effectiveness and ensuring alignment with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices.
CAAT places strong emphasis on promoting aviation cooperation with countries across the region, particularly through the exchange of knowledge and experience among civil aviation authorities. Such cooperation is an important mechanism for strengthening aviation safety oversight capabilities while deepening the close relationship and collaboration between Thailand and Lao PDR. Through these joint efforts, both countries aim to further enhance aviation safety standards and contribute to a stronger and more sustainable aviation safety system across the region.
