CAAT, DEPA, Department of Agriculture, GISTDA, DTI and Industry Leaders Unite at DronTech Asia 2026 Press Conference

Thailand Positions Drone Technology as a Strategic Driver of High-Value Economy, Smart Agriculture, and National Security

BANGKOK, May 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- GML Exhibition (Thailand) Co., Ltd. successfully hosted the official press conference for DronTech Asia 2026, announcing the upcoming third edition of ASEAN's leading drone and unmanned systems exhibition, scheduled to take place from 11–13 November 2026 at the IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center, Muang Thong Thani.

Taking place 19 May 2026, the press conference brought together prominent government agencies, industry leaders, academic experts, and national security organizations to discuss Thailand's growing role in the global drone ecosystem and the strategic importance of unmanned technologies in driving economic transformation.

Participating organizations and official supporter of DronTech Asia 2026 included the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA), Department of Agriculture, Defence Technology Institute (DTI), Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), the World UAV Federation, Suranaree University of Technology, and the Thailand Disaster Response Association.

In attendance to the press conference included:

• Mr. Manu Leopairote, Chairman of GML Exhibition (Thailand) Co., Ltd.,
• Air Chief Marshal Manat Chavanaprayoon Director General, Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT)
• Ms. Yurawan Anantanomanee Professional Level Agricultural Academic Officer, Plant Pest Management Division, Department of Agriculture
• Dr. Prisan Rakwatin Assistant President (Digital Application Promotion Division) Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA)
• Asst. Prof. Dr. Suradech Tantrairat Head, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle and Intelligent Systems Research Unit Suranaree University of Technology
• Mr. Asawin Romprasert Honorary President, Disaster Response Association (Thailand)

DronTech Asia 2026 is expected to generate more than THB 350 million in business value through trade negotiations, technology transfer, investment opportunities, and strategic partnerships. The exhibition is projected to feature over 150 international commercial and defense drone and drone technology related companies and attract more than 5,000 professional visitors globally.

Mr. Manu Leopairote, Chairman of GML Exhibition (Thailand) Co., Ltd., emphasized during the press event that drones are no longer emerging technologies but have become critical infrastructure supporting agriculture, logistics, digital industries, and national security.

He highlighted that the Asia-Pacific region is currently the world's fastest-growing drone market, driven by AI integration, automation systems, precision agriculture, and defense modernization. Thailand, positioned at the center of ASEAN, has a unique opportunity to accelerate its own drone technology ecosystem and strengthen regional competitiveness.

"Thailand is at a critical turning point. We are simultaneously an agricultural and industrial nation progressing steadily toward a digital economy, and drones serve as the vital bridge connecting these three dimensions. Whether it is increasing agricultural yields, surveying infrastructure, transporting cargo to remote areas, or conducting border surveillance, drones are becoming strategic tools for which Thailand must urgently develop its own domestic capabilities," said Mr. Manu.

Key Session Highlights from the Press Conference

Thailand's National Drone Roadmap and Smart Airspace Development

Representatives from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) outlined ongoing regulatory reforms designed to accelerate Thailand's drone industry development. CAAT shared updates on revised regulations permitting larger drones exceeding 25 kilograms and announced progress on the country's upcoming National Drone Master Plan, which will serve as a roadmap for commercial drones, smart airspace systems, and future Urban Air Mobility initiatives.

CAAT also noted that Thailand has already surpassed 60,000 registered drone operators, reflecting rapid industry growth nationwide.

Drone Technology Driving Smart Agriculture

The Department of Agriculture highlighted the rapid growth of agricultural drone adoption and Thailand's push to modernize farming through drone technology, operator training, and sustainable agriculture initiatives. Officials also reaffirmed the government's target to train 5,000 certified agricultural drone operators nationwide by 2027.

AI, Data Platforms, and Thailand's Emerging Drone Economy

Executives from DEPA discussed how AI integration and drone data platforms are driving new high-value digital industries in Thailand. The agency also showcased its "One Tambon, One Digital (Drone Community)" initiative, supporting drone adoption through subsidies, pilot training, and nationwide service center development.

Future Air Mobility and Advanced Drone Innovation

Researchers from Suranaree University of Technology presented advanced Thai drone innovations, including hybrid UAV systems designed for vertical take-off and long-endurance missions. The session highlighted Thailand's growing capability to commercialize locally developed drone technologies.

Drones in Disaster Response and National Security

The Thailand Disaster Response Association shared real-world applications of drones in disaster response, search-and-rescue operations, and border surveillance. Speakers emphasized the growing role of drones as strategic tools for national security and emergency management.

DronTech Asia 2026 to Showcase ASEAN's Expanding Drone Ecosystem

DronTech Asia 2026 will serve as a major regional platform connecting governments, technology developers, investors, operators, academic institutions, and industry end users across ASEAN's rapidly growing drone ecosystem. Already big name players in the commercial and defense sectors have confirmed their participation including NAcDrone Enterprise Co., Ltd., , Systonics Co., Ltd., DJI Enterprise by SIS, Grepow DBA Tattu Battery, Thai Sky Vision, 13 Store Co., Ltd., ICreative Systems Co.,Ltd, T-MOTOR and many more. Beyond the large-scale international exhibition, the event will feature international conferences, technical seminars, live drone demonstrations, business matching sessions, and investment networking opportunities. Key highlights will include showcases on smart agriculture, AI-powered drone technologies, Future Air Mobility, eVTOL systems, as well as security, surveillance, and defense applications.

The 3rd edition of DronTech Asia 2026 will take place from 11–13 November 2026 at Challenger Hall, IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center, Muang Thong Thani, Thailand. Organized by GML Exhibition (Thailand) Co., Ltd., the event is expected to bring together more than 150 exhibiting brands and over 5,000 professional participants from across the region. More information is available at www.drontechasia.com.

For exhibiting opportunities for commercial drone companies.

For exhibiting opportunities for defense drone companies.

For Media Inquiries contact:

Yaowalak Chuvichien (Elle)
Senior Event Manager
yaowalak@asiandefense.com
GML Exhibition (Thailand) Co.,Ltd.

For Sales & Sponsorship Opportunities contact: 

Ms. Natcha Lim
Sales Manager
Natcha@asiandefense.com
GML Exhibition (Thailand) Co.,Ltd.

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SOURCE GML Exhibition (Thailand) Co., Ltd.