International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has completed its Universal Security Audit Programme – Continuous Monitoring Approach (USAP-CMA) assessment of Thailand’s aviation security oversight system. The audit was conducted from 4–18 November 2025 at the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) and relevant agencies, including the Immigration Bureau, the Customs Department, the Department of Consular Affairs, Suvarnabhumi Airport, Chiang Mai Airport, the Suvarnabhumi Air Traffic Control Center, the Chiang Mai Air Traffic Control Center, cargo terminals, and catering facilities. The objective of the assessment was to evaluate Thailand’s effectiveness in implementing aviation security and facilitation standards and recommended practices across nine core areas. These include the legislative and oversight framework, training systems, quality control, airport security, aircraft and flight operations security, passenger and baggage security, cargo,mail and caterer security, response to act of unlawful interference, and facilitation-related security measures.
The audit was supported by representatives from a wide range of agencies across the aviation and security sectors, including the Royal Thai Police, Immigration Bureau, Customs Department, Department of Consular Affairs, National Security Council, Counter-Terrorism Operations Center, National Cyber Security Agency, Airports of Thailand, Chiang Mai Airport, Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Ltd. (AEROTHAI), airlines, cargo operators, and caterer. Their cooperation played an essential role in supporting ICAO’s assessment of Thailand’s aviation security system.
During the closing briefing, ICAO auditors provided preliminary feedback indicating that Thailand has demonstrated significant improvements in its aviation security oversight standards. This reflects the strong commitment of all relevant agencies in enhancing aviation security and facilitation in line with ICAO’s global standards. The outcome of this USAP-CMA audit marks an important milestone in reaffirming Thailand’s dedication to maintaining the highest level of aviation security and strengthening international confidence in the country’s security oversight system.
Air Chief Marshal Manat Chavanaprayoon, Director General of CAAT, expressed his appreciation to all agencies involved for their support and cooperation throughout the audit. He emphasized that aviation security and national security remain top priorities for Thailand, as they constitute the foundation of a safe and trusted global aviation system. He added that the audit results reaffirm Thailand’s robust, transparent, and ICAO-compliant aviation security oversight framework, and that CAAT will continue strengthening its systems to further elevate Thailand’s aviation security standards at both the regional and global levels.
