Thailand will host a global aviation event showcasing unmanned flight capabilities, aiming to establish the country as a future aviation hub.
On 14 July 2026, Ms. Ploytale Laksamee Sangchan, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, announced that the Cabinet approved the Ministry of Transport's proposal to hold AAM 2026 from 1 to 3 December 2026 in Bangkok. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) will be the main organizer, with a budget of 72.1 million baht from CAAT’s own revenue.
The event will combine an international conference with exhibitions and unmanned aircraft demonstrations featuring new air transport technologies. It is expected to attract more than 1,500 participants, including ministerial representatives, directors of civil aviation authorities, and senior executives from the global aviation industry.
Ms. Ploytale added that to ensure the event proceeds smoothly and with distinction, the Cabinet approved key measures including officially endorsing AAM 2026; approving a draft agreement between Thailand and ICAO to define mutual roles and responsibilities; authorizing the Minister of Transport or a delegate to sign on behalf of Thailand; allowing the Royal Thai Police to provide visa facilitation free of charge for ICAO officials; and imposing strict security and traffic control around the event.
She stated that hosting AAM 2026 will generate positive impacts for Thailand in three main areas: economic growth and investment—demonstrating Thailand’s readiness as a regional Aviation Hub for new aircraft types and attracting global investors into the unmanned aircraft industry; legal advancement—upgrading Thai aviation laws, standards, and regulatory frameworks to be systematic and aligned with ICAO standards; and technology integration—fostering public-private partnerships to apply advanced aviation technologies suited to Thailand’s context and sustainable development.