As drone technology becomes increasingly accessible, Thailand remains a popular destination for aerial photography thanks to its rich cultural landmarks and natural beauty. However, operating a drone in the country is subject to strict legal requirements. Following heightened security concerns along the Thai–Cambodian border, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) issued Notice No. 15, effective from 6 February 2026 until further notice, introducing tighter controls on drone operations nationwide.

Restricted and Prohibited Areas

Drone flights are generally permitted across Thailand, but several areas are strictly off-limits. These include selected districts in seven provinces along the Thai–Cambodian border, where security sensitivity is high. In addition, flying is prohibited within a 9-kilometre radius of designated airports and airstrips, as well as in certain energy and infrastructure-sensitive zones such as parts of Chon Buri, Rayong, and Chachoengsao.

Operators must carefully review restricted zones before planning any flight to avoid violations.

Flight Conditions and Operational Rules

All drone operators in Thailand must comply with the following conditions:

• Register both the drone and the operator with CAAT and the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC)
• Submit flight details (location, date, time, purpose) at least three days in advance via the UAS Portal: https://uasportal.caat.or.th
• Notify the Anti-Drone Centre (Metropolitan Police Bureau) via email: antidrone.police@gmail.com

Flights are permitted only between 06:00 and 18:00, with a maximum altitude of 90 metres (300 feet). Operations outside these hours require prior approval, while all flights between 00:01 and 04:00 are strictly prohibited.

Registration and Certification Requirements

Thailand enforces a dual-registration system:

• NBTC registration covers drone ownership and radio frequency use
• CAAT registration covers both the drone and the operator, including issuance of a drone pilot certificate

All drones must be registered with NBTC. Additional CAAT registration is required for drones equipped with cameras or weighing more than 2 kilograms.

Operators are also required to:

• Obtain third-party liability insurance with minimum coverage of 1 million THB
• Pass an online knowledge test to receive a drone pilot certificate (valid for 2 years)
• Display the official registration number visibly on the drone

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Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with Thailand’s drone regulations can result in serious consequences, including imprisonment of up to one year, a fine of up to 40,000 Baht, or both. Authorities may also deploy counter-drone systems to enforce restrictions in sensitive areas.

Rules for Flying Drones in Thailand (Concise Guide)

Operating a drone in Thailand is strictly regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) to ensure safety, security, and public order. All drone activities must comply with national airspace rules, with a strong emphasis on avoiding risks to people, property, and sensitive locations.

Drone flights are prohibited over urban areas, large gatherings, and near government buildings, hospitals, military zones, and other restricted locations unless prior authorization is granted. Operators must also avoid flying within a 9-kilometre radius of airports or temporary airfields without approval. Additionally, takeoff and landing areas must always be clear of obstacles.

Flights are only allowed during daylight hours and in good weather conditions, and the drone must remain within the operator’s visual line of sight at all times. The use of first-person view (FPV) alone for navigation is not permitted, and flying into or near clouds is strictly forbidden.

To maintain safety, minimum distance requirements must be observed: at least 30 metres for drones under 2 kilograms and 50 metres for drones between 2 and 25 kilograms. The transport of hazardous materials, including laser devices, is also strictly prohibited.

Certain operations—such as night flying, flying above 90 metres, or entering restricted areas—require prior written approval from CAAT. In the event of any drone-related incident, operators must report immediately via phone at +66 2 568 8851 or email at uav@caat.or.th.

Contact Information

National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC)
For drone ownership and radio frequency registration
Website: www.nbtc.go.th
Drone Registration Portal: https://anyregis.nbtc.go.th

Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT)
For drone and pilot registration and flight regulation compliance
Email: uav@caat.or.th

For special operations: uas_u@caat.or.th
Website: www.caat.or.th
Drone Registration Portal: https://uasportal.caat.or.th