Bangkok: The Thai government has expressed its support for the use of drones in agriculture and disaster management, as confirmed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society, Mr. Prasert Jantarawongthong. The government is open to amending regulations to facilitate drone usage, particularly for farmers.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Prasert responded to inquiries from Senator Dr. Premsak Piayura regarding the government’s plans to promote drone technology. Senator Dr. Premsak highlighted the significant role drones play in disaster response, agriculture, and transportation, suggesting that the technology could enhance production efficiency and reduce costs. He inquired about the government’s strategies for integrating drones into disaster management and agricultural assistance, as well as potential budget allocations for drone purchases in 2025.
Mr. Prasert emphasized the government’s commitment to utilizing drones in managing floods, storms, and agricultural challenges. He not
ed that drones have been instrumental in surveying flood-affected areas and delivering essential supplies to remote locations. The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society has developed applications like HelpT to provide warnings and facilitate information sharing with local administrative bodies. The One Tambon, One Digital project has deployed approximately 500 drones across 4 million rai of land, generating an economic impact exceeding 20 billion baht.
To ensure security and data protection, Mr. Prasert mentioned the establishment of a digital service account for setting drone standards and pricing. The government promotes the use of locally produced drones, with data storage in Thailand to enhance security compared to foreign drones.
While the government does not offer direct subsidies for local drone acquisitions, Mr. Prasert stated that local administrative organizations could budget for drone purchases. However, he acknowledged the need for trained pilots and repair centers, which the ministry has beg
un establishing in various regions to support the technology’s adoption.
Senator Dr. Premsak raised concerns about existing regulations governing drone use, urging the government to consider comprehensive legal frameworks to support drone operators and address complaints related to arrests. Mr. Prasert assured that the government would work on facilitating permission processes for farmers and consider regulatory amendments to maximize drone technology benefits.