Co-op Cyber Brain Foundation launches agricultural drone training program

The Cooperative Cyber Brain Foundation has announced the launch of a comprehensive training program for agricultural drone operators, aiming to develop Thailand’s farming infrastructure and create a network of community ‘plant doctors’.

Anan Phusittikul, chairman of the foundation, stated that, while agricultural drones have become vital tools for boosting efficiency, saving labour and improving precision in nutrient and crop-protection spraying, many current operators still lack a structured approach to the business.

According to Anan, there is a critical knowledge gap regarding commercial business management, civil aviation regulations, proper crop protection science and precise chemical calculations.

To address these challenges, the foundation has established the ‘Drone Agricultural Service Program’. The course is designed to transform standard drone pilots into international-standard smart agricultural service providers who can act as knowledgeable plant specialists for their local communities.

The program aims to equip participants with a modern business mindset, focusing on financial planning and fleet management. It will also strictly emphasise aviation laws, regulations and standard operating procedures for safety.

The primary target groups for the training include next-generation ‘smart farmers’, independent drone pilots, agricultural cooperative managers, community enterprises and entrepreneurs looking to enter the agricultural drone service market.

Applications for the training program will be open from July 21 to 23, 2026. It will be hosted at the Excellence Centre for Agricultural Drone Business Management.

The curriculum covers critical business and legal foundations, including financial structuring for capital and operational expenditure, as well as compliance regulations set by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), alongside drone insurance policies and branding systems.

Participants will transition to intensive fieldwork in September 2026. This phase will feature hands-on practice in rice paddies and fruit orchards, focusing on advanced chemical mixing techniques and Low Volume Spraying (LVS) technology.

"The goal is to instill a modern service-management mindset, enabling operators to handle finances and manage drone fleets efficiently, while providing targeted solutions for local farmers," according to Anan.