30 Oct 2023

It's tempting to travel with a drone to film Thailand's natural treasures... But before diving in headfirst and taking unnecessary risks, it's worth familiarizing yourself with the regulations. Indeed, drones are classified as aircraft and cannot fly freely. Discover everything you need to know about using a drone in Thailand.

Do You Need to Register Your Drone with Thai Authorities?

The answer is yes! The first thing to know before traveling to Thailand with a drone is that you must register it with the competent Thai authorities:

Registration with the NBTC and CAAT

Thai law requires that all drones equipped with a camera be registered with two designated authorities before being authorized to fly in the country:

• The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC),
• The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT)

Without authorizations from the NBTC and CAAT, operating a drone in Thailand is illegal.

Steps to Register a Drone in Thailand

Registration and Enrollment with the NBTC

To register with the NBTC, you have two options:

• Register online on the official NBTC website or
• Visit in person at the headquarters in Bangkok or one of the various NBTC regional offices throughout Thailand (Chiang Mai, Chumphon, Hat Yai, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Phuket).

Registration and Enrollment with the CAAT

You can only register with the CAAT once you've obtained NBTC approval. Registration with the CAAT can be completed free of charge online on the official CAAT website.

The good news? If your registration is successful, it's valid for two years.

Good to know:

Since obtaining NBTC and CAAT authorizations can take some time, we recommend starting the process well in advance—at least one month before your departure date.

Documents Required for Registration

To register your drone with the NBTC and CAAT, you'll need several documents:

• A signed copy of your passport,
• A photograph of the drone,
• The drone's serial number,
• Proof of residence in Thailand,
• Two copies of the completed registration form,
• A copy of your civil liability insurance.

What Rules Must You Follow to Operate a Drone in Thailand?

Beyond registering your drone with the NBTC and CAAT, several rules must be observed when operating a drone in Thailand.

Documents You Must Carry

Not only must you always carry your drone's registration documents certified by the NBTC and CAAT, but you must also have liability insurance. This is mandatory and must cover a minimum of 1 million Baht. The civil liability insurance must be written entirely in English and must include your name and the drone's serial number.

Rules to Follow

Once you've obtained the necessary authorizations, you must adhere to specific rules for operating a drone in Thailand. Here are the key regulations to know before flying a drone in Thailand:

• Drone pilots must be at least 18 years old;
• Drones are only authorized to fly in designated zones (see later in this article);
• Drones must not fly closer than 30 meters (98 feet) to any person, vehicle, structure, or building;
• Drones cannot fly higher than 90 meters (295 feet);
• Drones must maintain a safe distance from manned aircraft;
• Airports must be kept at least 9 kilometers (5 miles) away;
• Drones must not fly over cities and villages;
• Drones must not operate near crowds;
• Drones must stay clear of government buildings and hospitals;
• Drones must only fly during daylight hours: between sunrise and sunset;
• Pilots must maintain visual line of sight with their drones at all times.

No-Fly Zones and Restricted Areas for Drones

Drones cannot fly freely throughout Thailand. There are two categories:

• No-fly zones: airports and airfields, military areas and national security zones, government offices, public buildings, and hospitals;
• Restricted zones: national parks, historical and cultural sites, private property, densely populated areas.

Without authorization, drones cannot operate in these zones.

What Penalties Apply for Violating the Rules?

Non-compliance with drone regulations in Thailand can result in serious penalties.

People operating drones without proper authorization or failing to follow the rules can face fines ranging from 40,000 to 100,000 Baht. They may also face imprisonment of 1 to 5 years.

This is why it's highly recommended to familiarize yourself with all the rules governing drone use in Thailand.

Note:

All regulations are provided for informational purposes and are subject to change. We recommend staying informed and verifying the latest regulations on the NBTC and CAAT websites. You can also contact the embassy to ask any questions you may have.

Florine Dergelet

Florine Dergelet

A web writer for over 10 years, Florine Dergelet is a traveler driven by a passion for discovering the world with an open heart. Each of her articles is an invitation to slow down, to listen, to understand. For her, travel isn't about ticking countries off a map, but about weaving bonds—often invisible but always powerful—with places, peoples, and all sorts of creatures in the animal kingdom. Her motto? Advise travelers with integrity, raise their awareness about animal welfare, respect for cultures, and the importance of humble and sustainable tourism. Because the most beautiful memories often emerge far from the spotlight, in the shade of a trail, in the midst of a conversation, or in the quiet breath of a world we finally take time to truly listen to…