BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand’s Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Ltd. (AEROTHAI) is developing drone technology to inspect airport navigation systems, aiming to reduce operating costs, shorten inspection times and minimize disruption to commercial air traffic. The innovation, known as UAV Flight Inspection, was showcased at DronTech Asia 2026, the 3rd international exhibition of drone and unmanned aircraft technologies, held at Muang Thong Thani on November 11.
AEROTHAI Deputy President Thaloengsak Phathong said the technology was jointly developed with Suranaree University of Technology. It uses unmanned aerial vehicles to inspect Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) runway lighting systems, replacing the King Air 250 aircraft traditionally used for these inspections.
The drone-based system offers lower operating costs, reduced flight time and less impact on air traffic. It has already passed technical testing at Nakhon Ratchasima Airport and is undergoing commercial trials, with operational deployment expected in 2027.
AEROTHAI is also working with the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) to develop an Unmanned Aircraft Traffic Management (UTM) system and drone identification technology to ensure safer and more organized use of low-altitude airspace.
The proposed central database will cover the entire drone operation process, including registration, delivery, flight plans and operational records. This will allow authorities to distinguish authorized drones from illegal operators and investigate aircraft operating outside the system. The agency said passenger-carrying drone flights would also require regulatory oversight and safety standards comparable to those applied to conventional aircraft.
Thailand’s hosting of DronTech Asia supports the country’s ambition to become a regional aviation hub, while AEROTHAI continues developing technology and personnel to accommodate the expanding drone industry without compromising aviation safety. (TNA)
