Latest Guide for Tourists Operating Drones in Thailand

　　Southeast Asia Information Harbor (www.dnyxxg.com) – The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has issued Notification No. 10, updating regulations for drone operations. This notification is effective from November 16th to 30th, or until further notice. The new regulations relax previous restrictions, allowing drones to fly in most parts of Thailand, but still prohibiting flights in specific areas of the five provinces bordering Thailand and Cambodia.

　　Key Conditions for Drone Operation

　　Drones may fly throughout Thailand under strict conditions, except in the following no-fly zones: designated areas in the seven border provinces for military deployments or ongoing operations:

　　Sa Kaeo: Khlong Hat, Aranyaprathet, Khok Sung, and Ta Phraya districts

　　Burinam: Lahan Sai and Ban Kruat districts

　　Sisaket: Phu Sing, Khun Han, and Kantharalak districts

　　Surin: Phanom Dong Rak, Kap Choeng, Sangkha, and Buachet districts

　　Ubon Ratchathani: Khemarat, Na Tan, Pho Sai, Si Mueang Mai, Khong Chiam, Sirindhorn, Buntharik, Na Chaluai, and Nam Yuen districts

　　Trat: Mueang, Bo Rai, and Khlong Yai districts

　　Chanthaburi: Mueang, Pong Nam Ron, and Soi Dao County

　　Within a 9-kilometer (5-nautical-mile) radius of all designated airports and airstrips

　　Any other areas declared by security agencies

　　Operational Requirements

　　All operators must register their drone and pilot licenses with the Civil Aviation Authority of Canada (CAAT). Flight details (including area, date, time, and purpose) must be submitted at least three (3) days in advance through the Drone Systems Portal (uasportal.caat.or.th) and reported to the Metropolitan Police Department's Antidrone Center (antidrone.police@gmail.com).

　　Flights are permitted only between 06:00 and 18:00, with a maximum altitude of 90 meters (300 feet). Operations outside this time period or under other conditions require prior authorization through the Drone Systems Portal. Flights are strictly prohibited between 00:01 and 04:00.

　　Before each approved flight, the operator must confirm flight details with the CAAT and notify the Antidrone Center. Government Agency Actions:

　　The military, police, customs, agriculture, natural resources, and intelligence agencies may conduct drone flights within their legally authorized scope. However, agencies operating in border restricted areas must notify the Civil Aviation Anti-Drone Centre (CAAT), the Anti-Drone Centre, and the relevant local security authorities in advance.

　　Reporting Violations

　　The public is encouraged to report illegal drone activity by providing the date, time, location, description of the drone, and any available photos or videos to:

　　CAAT – Drone Standards Department, Tel: +66 (0) 2568 8851, Email: uas_us@caat.or.th

　　Anti-Drone Centre, Metropolitan Police, Tel: +66 (0) 2126 7846, Email: antidrone.police@gmail.com

　　Local Security Units – the nearest police station, military base, or relevant agency

　　The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) stated that Notification No. 10 was issued in close coordination with national security agencies to balance public safety with the needs of citizens and commercial users. The agency will continue to monitor the border situation and will adjust measures as needed to ensure the safe, reliable, and responsible use of drones within Thailand. Key Points on Drone Registration and Flight Rules in Thailand With the increasing advancement and popularity of drone technology, many travelers carry drones to take aerial photographs of their destinations. Thailand, with its stunning natural scenery and rich cultural heritage, is an ideal location for drone photography. However, flying drones in Thailand is subject to strict laws and regulations.

　　All drones (officially called unmanned aerial vehicles) must be registered and must operate in full compliance with national aviation regulations. Violators may face fines, imprisonment, or equipment confiscation.

　　This guide outlines the key procedures and legal obligations for legally registering and flying drones in Thailand.

　　Import and Registration Requirements

　　Drones can be brought into Thailand, but must first be registered with the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) to operate legally.

　　The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) handles drone ownership and radio frequency registration through anyregis.nbtc.go.th. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) manages the registration of drones and their operators, and issues the necessary drone pilot certificates through the Drone Systems Portal (uasportal.caat.or.th).

　　Registration with only one agency is insufficient. Legal operation of a drone requires registration with both the National Broadcasting and Air Transport Commission (NBTC) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT).

　　Which Drones Require Registration?

　　All drones, regardless of weight or purpose, must be registered with the NBTC.

　　In addition to the above, drones equipped with cameras or video recording devices, drones weighing more than two kilograms but less than twenty-five kilograms, and all drones weighing more than twenty-five kilograms require CAAT registration. Drones weighing more than twenty-five kilograms also require written approval from the Minister of Transport.

　　Pre-Flight Procedures and Certification

　　Before operating a drone in Thailand, operators are advised to review the relevant regulations and complete the online knowledge test administered by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) through the Drone Systems Portal. While this test is not mandatory in some cases, it ensures that operators are familiar with Thai airspace regulations.

　　Drones must be insured with third-party liability insurance with a minimum coverage of one million Thai Baht. Insurance can be obtained locally or abroad.

　　Upon arrival in Thailand, a Thai SIM card is required to register through the drone system portal. The registration process includes creating an account, authenticating with a one-time password, and submitting the necessary documents for drone and operator registration.

　　To obtain a drone pilot's certificate, the operator must pass an online exam. If the exam is failed, it can be retaken after a 24-hour waiting period. Once approved, the certificate is valid for two years. A registration number will be issued, which must be clearly displayed on the drone. For drones weighing less than 25 kg, the label font size must be at least 3 mm; for drones weighing more than 25 kg, the label font size must be at least 25 mm.

　　**Important Update from CAAT**

　　As of June 30, 2025, CAAT will permanently shut down its old drone registration website, uav.caat.or.th. After this date, the website will be inaccessible, and all related services and documents will be unavailable.

　　Operators who obtain registration certificates through this website must download and keep a copy of their documents before the deadline.

　　From June 30, 2025, all drone and operator registrations must be completed entirely through the CAAT Drone Systems Portal (uasportal.caat.or.th).

　　Thailand Drone Flight Rules

　　Drone operation is governed by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) safety and airspace guidelines. Drones must not endanger life, property, or public order. Unauthorized flights are prohibited over urban areas, assembly areas, government buildings, hospitals, military zones, or restricted areas (see the *Thailand Aviation Information Publication* for details). Takeoff and landing areas must be unobstructed.

　　Flights are permitted only during the day, in clear weather, and within visual line of sight. Navigation using only a first-person perspective or onboard camera is prohibited. Flying into or near cloud cover is prohibited.

　　Drones are prohibited from flying within nine kilometers of airports or temporary airfields without prior approval. The transport of dangerous goods, including laser equipment, is strictly prohibited.

　　A minimum safe distance must be maintained: 30 meters for drones weighing less than 2 kg, and 50 meters for drones weighing between 2 and 25 kg.

　　Any incident involving a drone must be reported immediately to CAAT by phone at +66 2 568 8851 or by email at uav@caat.or.th. Special operations (such as night flights, flights above 90 meters, or entry into restricted areas) require prior written approval via uas_u@caat.or.th.

　　Contact Information

　　National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission of Thailand (NBTC)

　　Drone Ownership and Radio Frequency Registration

　　Address: No. 87, Lane 8, Phahonyothin, Sam Sen Nai Road, Phahonyay District, Bangkok, Thailand 10400, China

　　Tel: +66 2 670 8888

　　Call Center: 1200 (within Thailand)

　　Website: www.nbtc.go.th

　　Drone Registration Portal: https://anyregis.nbtc.go.th

　　Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT)

　　Drone and Pilot Registration and Flight Regulation Compliance

　　Address: No. 222, Vibhavadi Rangsit Soi 28 Street, Chatuchak District, Bangkok, Thailand 10900, China

　　Tel: +66 2 568 8851