Get permission before flying drones, says Laos govt

Vientiane: A new ruling aims to tighten security on drone use, according to a decision by Minister of Post and Telecommunications, Dr Thansamay Kommasith.

All entities or organisations wanting to fly drones weighing more than 200g must seek permission from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport and other relevant sectors.

Those wanting to import drones weighing more than 200g must seek permission from the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications.

An official of the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications in charge of the issue told Vientiane Times on Friday that his ministry is in charge of regulating imported drones and their signal frequencies to ensure they meet safety standards.

The Ministry of Public Works and Transport is in charge of regulating and permitting locations where drones will be allowed to fly.

“We are told that officials of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport are drawing up regulations to control drone use”, said the official, who wished to be unnamed.

The new decision categorises drones, also known as Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), into three types – weighing below 200g, between 200g and 2kg, and drones more than 2kg.