The Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in Thailand for Transportation and Air Traffic Control in the Future
Abstract
The objective of this qualitative research is to study Thailand's use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for
transportation and air traffic control in the future. In-depth interviews were performed on a group of 21
respondents consisting of Thai air traffic controllers, air traffic control unit supervisors, drone law experts, and
experts or those experienced in using drones for transportation. The data collected from the interviews were
analyzed with the content analysis method. It was found that 1) the current status of the uses of Unmanned
Aerial Vehicles in Thailand are for military operations, aerial patrol for resource conservation organizations,
high-angle photography, and agricultural uses, but presently not for transportation. 2) The use of Unmanned
Aerial Vehicles for air transport in the future is a new type of transportation called Urban Air Mobility (UAM),
which is a new aerial transport system that flies people and products around cities and suburban areas at the
lowest altitude. 3) Thailand's use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for air traffic control in the future raises the
challenge to implement UAM in the future, seeking cooperation to build capabilities in four key areas:
regulations, technology, infrastructure development, and personnel development.