The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) will register its self-developed unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to obtain a patent, making it the first multifunctional UAV in Southeast Asia.
Prapit Chanma, director-general of the RID, said yesterday the autonomous drone was jointly researched by the department's Geo-information Division and Office of Engineering Topographical and Geotechnical Survey.
"The drone will assist the RID's work such as irrigation canal survey pre- and post-flood or remote area survey for dredging. Initially, the department is proceeding with a request for a patent," said Mr Prapit.
The data collected by the drone will be cited along with the RID's construction and other projects.
"Aerial imagery from the drone will update the department's topographical database, benefiting our future irrigation design and construction for Thailand's water management," said Mr Prapit.
Moreover, the drone can perform emergency responses, including carrying medical equipment and emergency kits to hard-to-reach areas. Each drone can carry up to 25 kilogrammes.
"In the future, there will be improvements in drone capacity to assist the RID's missions," he added.
Wittaya Kaewmee, the RID's deputy director-general, said the department has four imported drones, costing 2 million baht each, which can only be used for high-resolution aerial imagery.
The department initiated a research project to develop its own cost-effective, multifunctional drone at a budget of just 600,000 baht per drone. It can fly for two hours per operation.
Mr Wittaya said that the RID will contribute the drone's practical advice to companies listed under Thailand's National Innovation Agency for cheaper production in the months and years to come.