Thailand drones on: Flying tech to lift farmers’ fortunes

Thailand is ready to support the effort to boost farmer access to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), or drones, to improve the management of the nation’s agricultural land, Deputy Prime Minister and Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong announced.

Prasert made this commitment during a Senate meeting, responding to questions from Senator Premsak Piayura regarding the government’s strategies to enhance drone usage for disaster mitigation, emergency response, logistics, and agricultural industries.

The value of UAVs is widely recognised by the government, with Prasert describing them as powerful tools for managing natural disasters and the country’s arable lands. Currently, over 500 drones monitor 4 million rai of land throughout Thailand, offering essential data for emergency response and weather forecasting.

The government is committed to supporting Thai UAV manufacturers, with Prasert highlighting the importance of relying on domestically developed drones and applications for national security.

“The ministry has established standard pricing and minimum quality specifications for drones used by official government agencies.”

Additionally, repair centres and flying sessions have been set up in regions where agricultural drones are operational.

Despite no central funding being allocated to local agencies for drone purchases, Prasert noted that these agencies can set their budgets.

Senator Premsak emphasised the necessity for changes to the current rules to enable the public to legally possess and use drones, reported Bangkok Post.

Acknowledging these concerns, Prasert insisted on the requirement for permission to operate drones but mentioned his intention to review and potentially streamline the permit process for farmers.

“We need to ensure that the use of drones is well-regulated, but at the same time, we should facilitate easier access for those in the agricultural sector.”

This initiative reflects the government’s broader strategy to leverage technology to enhance agricultural productivity and disaster management capabilities. By fostering local drone manufacturing and simplifying regulatory processes, the government aims to empower farmers and improve national agricultural practices.

The importance of drones in modern agriculture cannot be overstated, as they provide real-time data that can significantly influence crop management and yield predictions. With the government’s backing, Thailand’s agricultural sector could see substantial advancements, bolstered by the integration of UAV technology.