On 23 August 2026, Air Chief Marshal Manat Chavanaprayoon, Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), led a CAAT delegation in participating in the “Shanghai-Hong Kong Low-Altitude Industry Going Global Seminar – Thailand Session” in Shanghai, People’s Republic of China. The seminar was organized by the Bao Da San Foundation in cooperation with relevant agencies and organizations, serving as a platform to showcase the development of China’s Low-Altitude Economy and to promote knowledge exchange and explore opportunities for cooperation among China, Hong Kong, and Thailand.
CAAT’s participation aimed to study and exchange information on the trends, developments, technologies, and approaches underpinning the advancement of China’s Low-Altitude Economy. The delegation also gained insights into the policies, practices, and operational approaches adopted by relevant government agencies and industry stakeholders. The knowledge and experiences gained will contribute to CAAT’s consideration of appropriate approaches for the development and application of emerging aviation technologies in the context of Thailand.
On this occasion, Air Chief Marshal Manat Chavanaprayoon, Director General of CAAT, was invited to deliver a Keynote Sharing Session, providing perspectives on the current status and future direction of Thailand’s Low-Altitude Economy. The seminar brought together more than 100 participants from government agencies, aviation authorities, relevant organizations, entrepreneurs, and industry stakeholders involved in the Low-Altitude Economy. The strong participation reflected the growing interest in and potential of the Low-Altitude Economy, as well as opportunities to strengthen cooperation among Thailand, China, and Hong Kong.
In addition, the CAAT delegation visited the Hongqiao Low-altitude Economic Exhibition and Trade Center as part of the seminar activities. The exhibition featured more than 30 companies involved in the Low-Altitude Economy and advanced aviation technologies, showcasing a wide range of technologies, products, and applications related to aviation and the Low-Altitude Economy. The visit provided the CAAT delegation with first-hand insights into technological developments and the industrial ecosystem at the local level, as well as practical examples of how advanced aviation technologies can be applied for commercial purposes.
The activities provided the CAAT delegation with diverse perspectives and valuable information from both Chinese government agencies and industry stakeholders. The exchange of experiences regarding the development of the Low-Altitude Economy and advanced aviation technologies will serve as important input for CAAT in studying and developing appropriate frameworks, policies, standards, and regulations tailored to Thailand’s context. These insights will also support Thailand’s preparedness for the future adoption and integration of emerging aircraft and aviation technologies.
The participation reflects CAAT’s commitment to monitoring, studying, and understanding the development of emerging aviation technologies under the concepts of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Low-Altitude Economy, while strengthening international cooperation and knowledge exchange with aviation regulators and industry stakeholders. Such cooperation is essential to ensuring that Thailand is adequately and systematically prepared in terms of regulations, standards, infrastructure, and the broader ecosystem required to support the future of aviation.
Furthermore, the initiative is aligned with the government’s policy of promoting economic relations and cooperation between Thailand and the People’s Republic of China, attracting foreign investment, and advancing cooperation in technology and innovation, particularly in emerging aviation technologies. These efforts will contribute to enhancing Thailand’s capabilities and competitiveness while creating new economic opportunities and supporting sustainable growth.
CAAT also places great importance on preparations for ICAO AAM 2026, which Thailand has been selected to host. The event will serve as an important international platform for exchanging knowledge, experience, and best practices in Advanced Air Mobility. Learning from China’s advanced aviation technologies and exchanging knowledge with Chinese regulators and industry stakeholders will therefore form an important part of Thailand’s preparations, while also creating opportunities to further develop cooperation in technology, investment, and the advancement of the Low-Altitude Economy.
Such cooperation will serve as an important mechanism for supporting the development of Thailand’s AAM and Low-Altitude Economy ecosystem, while enhancing opportunities for Thailand to position itself as a regional hub for aviation and advanced aviation technologies in the future.
CAAT remains committed to promoting cooperation and knowledge exchange with aviation regulators, organizations, and industry stakeholders both domestically and internationally. These efforts aim to prepare Thailand for the transition toward the future aviation ecosystem, create tangible new economic opportunities arising from Advanced Air Mobility and the Low-Altitude Economy.
