Thai authorities are reminding visitors who wish to fly drones that there are rules and regulations in place. If you are visiting Thailand, even if it’s just for a holiday or short stay, and you want to use a drone fitted with a camera you need to ensure it is registered before you fly it. Failure to do so could result in a fine of up to 100,000 Baht or a five-year prison term. The regulations apply to all drones fitted with cameras and that includes hobby use. If the drone is being used for commercial use, then additional permission must also be requested from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT).
How to register your drone in Thailand
Drones, also known as remotely piloted aircraft (RPA), need to be registered with either the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) or the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT).
You can download the form (which is available in English or Thai) from the CAAT website.
Key points to note before flying a drone/RPA in Thailand include:
- Drones with cameras installed must be registered – no exceptions
- Drones over 2kgs must be registered – no exceptions
- Drones over 25kg must receive permission from Ministry of Transport
- Get permission of the owner of the land to fly
- Do not fly higher than 90 metres
- Control and take-off must always be visible during the flight
- Do not fly close to manned aircraft
- Do not fly close to any person, vehicle, construction or buildings; the drone should always be a minimum of 30 metres away
- Do not fly within 9km (or 5 nautical miles) of any airport or temporary airfield
- Do not fly in restricted areas. This includes near hospitals, government offices and state buildings
- Any violation is subject to a 40,000 Baht fine and/or a 1-year jail term
A copy of the full list of regulations is available from the CAAT website here:
Thailand drone regulations
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