Thailand Allows Drones for Southern Flood Relief Operations
Thailand’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAAT) has approved the use of unmanned aircraft (drones) to support disaster-relief operations in flood-hit areas of Southern Thailand. Effective from 25 November, the authorization covers search, rescue, and humanitarian missions aimed at reaching communities isolated by severe flooding.
Under the measure, drones may operate after 6:00 p.m., as long as they are equipped with clearly visible position and navigation lights. All operators must coordinate closely with local authorities in affected areas to prevent conflicts with manned aircraft and ensure safe use of shared airspace during emergency missions.
For any drone activity inside airport premises or within a 9-kilometre radius of an airport in the disaster zones, operators must notify the relevant airport authorities beforehand and begin flights only after receiving approval. This rule applies to both government agencies and approved civilian teams assisting in the relief effort.
Once flood conditions ease, all operators flying under this special authorization are required to submit an after-action report to CAAT within 30 days. The report must include flight locations, as well as the dates and times of each mission, and should be emailed to uas_ur@caat.or.th.
CAAT said the data collected will help strengthen civil aviation oversight and evaluate how drones are used in emergencies, supporting safer integration of unmanned aircraft into disaster-response operations in the future.
Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/nbtworld/news/view/1590640/?bid=1
