On 10 March 2026, Air Chief Marshal Manat Chavanaprayoon, Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), welcomed executives from GrabTaxi (Thailand) Co., Ltd., led by Ms. Chantsuda Thananitayaudom, Managing Director, for a meeting and exchange of information on the development and potential implementation of drone delivery services in Thailand. The meeting was held at the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand.
The discussion was conducted in line with the policy direction of the Board of Commissioners, which emphasizes strict regulatory oversight under the “Regulate First” approach. CAAT places strong importance on ensuring that the development and application of emerging aviation technologies are carried out within a robust regulatory framework and in accordance with international aviation safety standards. The meeting also served as a platform for information exchange between the aviation regulator and the private sector to explore the potential application of new technologies in Thailand’s aviation industry in the future.
During the discussion, representatives from Grab presented an overview of the company and shared their experience with drone delivery initiatives, which have been tested in collaboration with drone operators in several countries, including Singapore and the Philippines. The company also expressed its interest in exploring the feasibility of deploying unmanned aircraft technologies to support logistics and delivery services in Thailand.
CAAT provided information on Thailand’s regulatory framework governing the use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), including the process for obtaining approvals for drone delivery operations, as well as key considerations related to operational safety, airspace management, and other applicable aviation requirements. These measures aim to ensure that any future deployment of such technologies is conducted safely and in accordance with international aviation standards.
The meeting represented an initial exchange of information between the aviation regulator and the private sector to explore the feasibility of applying unmanned aircraft technology for transportation and service operations in the future. CAAT reaffirmed its commitment to supporting innovation while maintaining strong safety oversight to ensure the sustainable development of aviation and emerging aviation technologies.
