Over the years, Thailand has updated its regulations concerning drones to keep up with technological advancements and ensure safety in its airspace. Drones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are allowed in Thailand but are subject to strict guidelines. The regulations are enforced by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), the agency responsible for maintaining airspace safety. Also, some drone operations require permission from the Ministry of Transport and compliance with approved conditions.

Operators and businesses wishing to use drones must comply with these rules to avoid hefty fines or imprisonment for non-compliance. In Thailand, flying drones without the necessary permits can lead to serious legal consequences, up to one year imprisonment or/and a 40,000 THB fine.

Thailand’s drone market is constantly growing. Thailand is seeing a rise in the use of drones for agricultural purposes, helping farmers improve crop management and increase productivity. The drone’s market is projected to generate a revenue of 2.6M USD in 2025, and exhibit a volume growth of 6.2% in 2026.

What are the important rules for flying drones in Thailand?

Thailand has a robust set of drone regulations designed to ensure safety for both drone operators and the general public. Here are the key rules:

1. Drones that are equipped with cameras and weigh more than 2kg must be registered with the CAAT. This includes most commercial drones used for activities like filming, surveying, and mapping.
2. Drones that exceed 25kg must also be registered with the Ministry of Transport. These drones typically involve more complex and high-value operations, such as industrial applications or drone delivery.
3. Drone operators are required to always maintain a visual line of sight with their drone, in order to avoid collisions.
4. Drones must not fly within a certain distance of manned aircraft. Additionally, drones must be kept at least 30 meters away from people, vehicles, buildings, or other structures.
5. Drones cannot be flown in certain restricted zones unless special authorization has been granted. These areas may include government buildings, military zones, or private properties with restricted airspace.
6. Drones cannot be flown within 9 kilometers (5 miles) of airports or airfields unless the operator has received explicit authorization.
7. Drones are not allowed to fly higher than 9 meters (295 feet) above the ground.
8. No Fly Zones (NFZ) include cities, villages, crowds, or near sensitive areas such as government buildings and hospitals, in order to maintain public safety and privacy.
9. Drone operators must obtain permission from the property owner where they plan to take off and land.
10. Drones must only operate during daylight hours, in order to reduce the risk of accidents.
11. Thai law requires drone operators to have an emergency plan in place, including safety measures such as carrying a fire extinguisher or a first aid kit in case of accidents.

Where can I register my drone to fly in Thailand?

Drone operators in Thailand are required to register their drones with two key agencies:

1) The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) is responsible for registering the individual who controls and is in charge of the drone, in order to track the drone operations and ensure that it complies with the safety standards.

2) The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is responsible for registering the frequency used by the drone for communication, in order to ensure that the drone does not interfere with other radio frequencies.

Can foreigners fly drones in Thailand?

Foreigners are allowed to fly drones in Thailand, but they must adhere to the same regulations as Thai citizens. Drone registration is required for foreigners, and this process can only be completed in Thailand. To register a drone with the NBTC, the following documentation is required:

• Passport copy (signed and stamped with the entry stamp)
• Thailand registration address (ex: hotel booking)
• Drone and controller details: Photographs of the drone and its controller, and the serial numbers of both.
• Drone insurance policy (must include at least 1 million THB in coverage)

After the NBTC approves the registration, the operator can apply for CAAT registration online. The approval process typically takes 15 days, and the registration is valid for 2 years.

Do I need a registration if my drone is used for recreational purposes?

Recreational drone pilots who wish to fly drones for personal use must adhere to specific guidelines, including:

• If the drone weighs more than 2 kg or if it has a camera, it must be registered with the NBTC.
• The drone pilot license is required.
• The drone operator must be at least 20 years old and must not have any criminal history involving narcotics or customs laws.
• Drone remote ID is not required for hobbyists.
• Drone insurance is not required but recommended.
• The operator must apply to the Ministry of Transportation for a license to operate a UAV as a controller/launcher.
• Drone operators must avoid violating others' privacy when flying recreational drones.

What are the regulations for operating commercial drone services in Thailand?

For those looking to use drones for commercial purposes, such as aerial filming, surveying, or delivery services, the regulations are more exhaustive. The operator must meet the following requirements:

• Commercial drone operators require a registration.
• If the drone weighs more than 25kg, it must be registered with both CAAT and the Ministry of Transport.
• The drone pilot license is required.
• The operator must be involved in a legitimate business activity, such as mass media, film production, infrastructure inspections, or any other commercial use of drones.
• The operator must have applied to the Ministry of Transportation for a license to operate the UAV as a controller/launcher.

Thailand offers a growing market for drones in sectors like agriculture, construction, film production, and logistics. For example, drones can be used for crop monitoring, land surveying, and film shoots. However, all businesses must ensure they are operating in compliance with the law. Operators may need a Remotely Piloted Aircraft Operator’s Certificate (ReOC) license, which allows you or your business to trade as a drone service provider, but also insurance, and additional permits, depending on the nature of the drone operations.

How to import and export drones?

Importing and exporting drones in Thailand for business purposes involves compliance with regulations set by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) and the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC). Some of the key requirements include:

Importing drones into Thailand:

Business must obtain import permits from the NBTC for drones equipped with cameras. Failure to secure these permits can result in fines up to 100,000 THB and/or imprisonment for up to five years.

Also, imported drones must be declared to the Customs Department at the port of entry. For this, proper documentation is essential to avoid delays ad potential penalties.

Exporting drones from Thailand:

The necessary export documentation includes commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin. Accurate documentation facilitates smooth customs clearance.

To export drones, it is also necessary to verify that the destination country permits the import of drones and that all export controls are adhered to.

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