Air Chief Marshal Manat Chavanaprayoon, Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), led the Thai delegation to the 61st Conference of Directors General of Civil Aviation, Asia and Pacific Regions (DGCA/61), held under the theme “Smart Skies: Emerging Technologies for Safe, Secure, Sustainable and Efficient Aviation” from 7 to 11 September 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
DGCA/61 served as an important forum for civil aviation leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region to exchange views, review progress and shape the region’s future aviation development. The Conference also advanced Action Items covering Safety, Air Navigation, Security, Sustainability and Emerging Technologies among ICAO Member States in the Asia-Pacific region. The outcomes will support the development of policies and implementation plans by civil aviation authorities across the region.
On the sidelines of the Conference, Air Chief Marshal Manat Chavanaprayoon and the Thai delegation met with the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), led by Dato’ Captain Norazman Mahmud. CAAT expressed its appreciation to Malaysia for hosting the Conference, while both sides discussed opportunities to further strengthen technical cooperation in civil aviation.
The two authorities exchanged views on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). They agreed to designate senior officials from both authorities as focal points to advance cooperation in these areas.
CAAT designated Mr. Kajonpat Maklin, Deputy Director General for Aviation Safety Standards Oversight, is Thailand’s focal point of Thailand, while CAAM designated Captain Mohd Radzi Mohamad Alias, Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Regulatory). The designated officials will coordinate future cooperation, facilitate knowledge exchange, and develop practical initiatives on UAS and AAM.
CAAT also invited CAAM to participate in the Second ICAO Advanced Air Mobility Symposium, to be hosted by Thailand in Bangkok from 1 to 3 December 2026 under the theme “From Vision to Implementation: Enabling the AAM Ecosystem.” The Symposium will provide a platform for knowledge exchange and help advance AAM from vision to safe and practical implementation.
Thailand also presented its plan to establish a permanent aviation representation in Montréal, Canada, to strengthen its engagement and cooperation with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The initiative will also enhance Thailand’s participation in ICAO’s policy and technical work and strengthen the country’s role in civil aviation at both the regional and global levels.
