News Update

GML Moves Forward with DronTech Asia 2026 as Thailand’s Drone Market Tops THB 8.6 Billion

    GML Exhibition is moving to capitalize on the rapid rise of the “low-altitude economy” as Thailand’s drone market is now valued at more than THB 8.629 billion and continues to grow at over 10% annually. The company is moving forward with DronTech Asia 2026, bringing together more than 100 companies from Thailand and overseas to showcase the latest drone technologies and innovations. The event aims to unlock new business opportunities amid expanding drone applications across agriculture, industry, security and future logistics, with more than 5,000 visitors expected and an estimated THB 100–150 million in economic value to be generated.

DronTech Asia 2026 รองรับเศรษฐกิจเพดานบินต่ำ หนุนโดรนไทยก้าวกระโดด

    Ms. Yaowalak said rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI), automation and unmanned aerial vehicle technologies are creating new economic activities and business models. One of the emerging trends attracting significant attention is the “low-altitude economy,” which encompasses economic activities enabled by unmanned aerial vehicles operating in low-altitude airspace, including logistics and delivery, agriculture, surveying and inspection, as well as safety, security and rescue operations. Thailand’s drone market is currently valued at more than USD 260 million, or approximately THB 8.629 billion, and is growing at more than 10% annually. The industry’s expansion is also expected to create new businesses and employment opportunities, ranging from drone pilots and maintenance technicians to specialists in drone traffic management and AI-related roles supporting route planning and operational safety.

    Ms. Yaowalak noted that in several areas of China, drone applications have already expanded beyond industrial use into cargo delivery and the commercial development of aerial passenger transportation. These developments demonstrate the potential for the low-altitude economy to play a greater role in transportation and logistics in the future. To help Thailand keep pace with these developments and capitalize on the growth of the low-altitude economy, GML Exhibition, in collaboration with relevant organizations, is moving forward with the third edition of DronTech Asia 2026 will take place from November 11–13, 2026, at Hall 5, IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center, Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok. The event will serve as a platform connecting manufacturers, technology developers, government agencies, industrial organizations and end users, while showcasing the latest drone and unmanned systems, technologies and innovations from Thailand and around the world.

DronTech Asia 2026 รองรับเศรษฐกิจเพดานบินต่ำ หนุนโดรนไทยก้าวกระโดด

    The first edition of the event held in Thailand in 2024 attracted 70 drone manufacturers, approximately 3,000 visitors, and generated nearly THB 100 million in economic value. This year, more than 100 drone manufacturers are expected to participate, with Thai companies accounting for approximately 40% and international companies making up the remaining 60%. Overseas exhibitors include leading drone manufacturers from China, Türkiye, Russia, France, the United States and Singapore. 

    DronTech Asia 2026 is expected to attract more than 5,000 visitors and generate approximately THB 100–150 million in economic value. Domestic visitors are expected to come primarily from government agencies, industrial organizations and the business sector. GML Exhibition has also invited senior government representatives from ASEAN countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines, to participate in the event, creating opportunities for business connections and greater regional cooperation. 

“Interest across the drone industry has changed significantly. While the market previously focused primarily on the drones themselves, there is now increasing attention on software, anti-drone systems and drones integrated with AI. Demand is also growing for drones designed for rescue, firefighting, defense and surveying applications,” Ms. Yaowalak said.


DronTech Asia 2026 Opens Doors to New Business Opportunities

From an industry perspective, these developments are already creating new opportunities for technology providers as drone applications expand into new areas.

DronTech Asia 2026 รองรับเศรษฐกิจเพดานบินต่ำ หนุนโดรนไทยก้าวกระโดด

    Dr. Suradet said drones are expected to become increasingly integrated into everyday life in the near future, particularly in the logistics sector. Pilot projects are already using drones to deliver medicines and medical supplies to remote areas and disaster-affected locations.

The development of appropriate regulations and aviation infrastructure will therefore be an important factor in enabling new forms of commercial drone applications. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) is currently working to advance various drone-related business models and develop relevant regulations to support the expansion of the low-altitude aviation industry and the wider adoption of drones in logistics.

DronTech Asia 2026 รองรับเศรษฐกิจเพดานบินต่ำ หนุนโดรนไทยก้าวกระโดด

The technology is designed for applications including industrial inspection, mining operations and security patrols, helping improve operational flexibility. The company is also developing larger drones capable of carrying out missions continuously for several hours to support a wider range of applications in the future. 

Dr. Suradet also pointed to the business opportunities generated through the exhibition, particularly in reaching new customers

    “DronTech Asia 2026 will play an important role in helping us expand our customer base and drive business growth. The results from DronTech Asia 2024 clearly demonstrated the event’s potential, with customers generated through the event accounting for as much as 80% of our total customer base for the year. Most were government agencies, followed by large private-sector organizations. The event also provides an important opportunity for us to expand into international markets and reach new customers overseas,” Assistant Professor Dr. Suradet said.