Drone regulations in Thailand (2023)

If you want to fly a drone in Thailand, you will have to take some hurdles. In this article, I explain to you the conditions you have to fulfill.

In recent years, the rules for drone pilots in Thailand have changed quite often. This creates a lot of confusion and not all the information you can find on the internet is up to date. I am trying to give you a current and complete overview of the legal situation in the Kingdom.

First of all, if you are caught drone-flying without the necessary permits, you face high fines and even imprisonment. Thai prisons are not fun!

For most camera drones, you need two registrations: First, from the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), which handles the frequencies used by the drone. Second, by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), which registers all drone pilots.

So far it is not possible to complete the registrations before going to Thailand. This means you will need some luck to get your documents in time. In the following I explain to you how the procedures at NBTC and CAAT work.

Overview: Drone rules in Thailand

Recreational use of drones allowed? Yes, after registration or approval
Commercial use of drones permitted? Yes, after registration or approval
Maximum Altitude:90 Meter (295,3 Fuß) in uncontrolled airspace.
Is drone insurance mandatory? Yes, for private and commercial drone flights. Learn more about drone insurance here.
Does the drone need a badge?No.
Drone labels can be ordered here
Is a registration necessary? Yes.
Keep distance to airports
Respect the privacy of other people
Contact information

CAAT: 0066 (0) 2568 8815

[email protected]

Registration of drones in Thailand

In total, you need three documents to fly legally in Thailand: drone insurance, NBTC registration and CAAT registration. You should have these documents with you during all drone flights.

Get insurance

The insurance confirmation should be in English and contain the following data:

  • full name of the policyholder
  • brand, model, serial number and weight of the insured drone(s)
  • validity in Thailand must be clear
  • insurance coverage of at least THB 1 million (approx. EUR 30,000)

Register with the NBTC

Before the Corona pandemic, you had to go to one of the NBTC offices to register. Fortunately, this process has finally been digitized, so you can at least prepare this step before your trip to Thailand.

First you create an account here. After your email address has been confirmed, you can enter your contact details and your address in Thailand. However, the actual registration of your drone requires a photo of the entry stamp you receive in your passport upon arrival. Therefore, you can only complete the NBTC registration in the country.

The cost of drone registration with the NBTC is about 200 baht and must be deposited at a Thai bank. A good place to start is Krung Thai Bank. The deposit of the NBTC fee cannot be done at all Thai banks.

If you fail to register with the NBTC and are caught by the police, you could face up to five years in prison or a fine of 100,000 THB (approx. 3,000 euros).

Register with the CAAT

You have to register your drone with the CAAT if it has a camera/recording equipment or – if it does not have recording equipment – weighs more than 2 kg.

You can only register with the CAAT once you have the approval of the NBTC. Since summer 2018, registration has been possible via the online platform uav.caat.or.th.

The relevant fields have been translated into English so that you should be able to fill out the forms quite easily. You will have to provide a lot of personal information during the process. In addition, you have to upload a signed self-declaration, a picture of the drone with the serial number on it and proof of your drone insurance. In addition, the CAAT requires a copy of your passport with the entry stamp. Several of our readers received rejections due to the lack of proof of entry. This means that you can only register once you have already entered the country.

Update: Since February 2022, we have repeatedly received feedback that the CAAT has accepted the registration even before entry and without confirmation from the NBTC. Instead of the photo with the entry stamp, some applicants uploaded a photo of their passport again and this was accepted. However, there are still other experiences. We still encourage you to try the CAAT before your trip and keep us informed about your experiences. Thank you very much for doing so!

After you have submitted the complete documents, the CAAT will check your application and carry out a background check with several security authorities to ensure that you have not yet committed any legal violations in Thailand. Since this can be very time-consuming, you have to expect a long processing time. The CAAT writes on its website that you will receive a notification within 15 working days. In practice, it can be shorter, but it can also take much longer. The good news is that if your registration was successful, it is valid for two years.

If you are caught flying without CAAT registration, you face up to 1 year imprisonment and / or 40,000 THB penalty (approx. 1,200 euros).

Frequently asked questions about drone rules in Thailand

I would like to answer the questions most commonly asked in the comments here:

  1. Do I have to register my DJI Spark / DJI Mavic Pro / … for my Thailand vacation?
    Yes, because these drones have a camera. You can find more information above.
  2. I am only visiting Thailand in transit and do not want to start my drone in the country. Can I get in trouble if I have no registration?
    There should be no problems. Customs are not interested in drones, and the registrations are only required for the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles. However, there may be issues if the authorities get the impression that you want to resell the drone in Thailand (for example, if you import the drone in its original sealed packaging).
  3. I am flying to Thailand in a few weeks/days and would like to take my drone with me. Now I have read that I have to register. What can I do now?
    You should take out drone liability insurance and collect the above documents. At the moment you can only register if you are already in Thailand. But keep in mind that processing your application can take weeks and you may not receive your permits in time if you are in the country for only a short vacation.
  4. How long does it take to register with the CAAT?
    This varies and also seems to depend on the number of current applications. You can avoid a very long processing time by submitting all documents on time. Please keep in mind that processing at CAAT will only begin once you have approval from the NBTC.

Further regulations for operating multicopters in Thailand

After you have successfully registered yourself and your drone, there are of course other rules to follow

If you want to fly privately and no camera is mounted on your drone, the maximum take-off weight is 2 kg. With a higher weight you need approval from the CAAT. Drones weighing 25 kilograms or more need a separate permit from the Ministry of Transport.

Commercial pilots need permission for their flight maneuvers.

Safety distances and flight bans

You have to keep a distance of 9 kilometers (= 5 miles) to airports.

You can’t get closer than 50 meters to people, vehicles and buildings.

You must not fly near crowds of people. Flying over cities and villages is not allowed. Also avoid government buildings and hospitals.

You must always obtain permission from the property owner to take off and land. In practice, we usually solve this by asking the guards for permission or by asking at the information desk.

Your drone must always be kept within visual line of sight.

Drone flights are only allowed in daylight in Thailand, i.e. between sunrise and sunset.

The Thai rules also stipulate that you have an emergency plan. This includes having to carry a fire extinguisher with you. We have not yet found out whether this rule is enforced.

Good to know: Flights in Chiang Mai must be generally approved by air traffic control because the airport is so close to the city. We have obtained the appropriate permission. But you should call a few days before so that the people in the tower can coordinate with their bosses. Also, for flights over the historic park of Ayutthaya, approval is necessary. The Historical Park Office grants the permission, which is open daily from 8:30 to 16:30. According to the tourist information, the permit costs 5,000 baht.

We have researched the listed drone regulations for Thailand to the best of our knowledge. We cannot guarantee the correctness of the information. If you want to be on the safe side, contact the Thai aviation authority. Alternatively, you can also ask the Thai embassy in your country for further information about the regulations. Please leave us a comment when you receive news and/or gain experience with your copter in Thailand!

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About the author

Since January 2015, we travel around the world. In our backpack we carry a camera drone which we use to capture the best places from a bird’s perspective. First we travelled with a DJI Phantom 2. But now we use several drones like the DJI Phantom 4 Pro+ or the DJI Mini 3 Pro. On our blog we share the best tips for you about travelling with a drone. If you have questions about this article or new information, don’t hesitate to leave us a comment!

Discussions

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  • Chris Evans | 22.08.2017

    For what it’s worth, my buddy just flew into Thailand and back with no issues whatsoever. No permits or anything.

    I’ve still been trying to contact the Thai government to get proper permission and still no response.

    Not sure what to do about my trip to Thailand in November.

  • PPP sss | 22.08.2017

    They only found out I had a drone with the xray. With the small form factor of the mavic and spark, I’m thinking they won’t even recognize it if the batteries and props are separated.

  • Tim Newis | 31.08.2017

    Trying to get clarification on recreational drone flight with camera mounted in Thailand

    I suspect there are two requirements based on reading this and other resources:
    1. Certification from the CAAT
    2. Insurance to cover 1M Bhat

    This is not clear in the information in this post which says:

    After much speculation, it is now allowed to fly with a drone in Thailand.

    For Hobbies Category you may fly without permission if your drone weighs less than two kilograms and you are over 18 years old. The normal rules apply similarly to in the US (mostly common sense and safety).

    But then you go on to say:

    Conditions for commercial drone flights: License from the Department of Civil Aviation necessary; additional insurance is required.

    I suspect this also applies when flying for a hobby.

    Can someone clarify, please?

    Many thanks – Tim N

  • Maarten | 11.09.2017

    What I find so amazing is that loads and loads of tourists in Thailand go to full moon parties, beach parties and other parties, smoking pot and hashies (which carries a guaranteed 10 to 20 years in jail) as if it is the most normal thing in the world… but when it comes to a drone…. oh boy oh boy, you better behave or else…

    Thai police does not specifically targets foreigners. Those days are long gone. Official policy from the (militarily) goverment is to “go easy” on the farangs as the tourism image is important. You really have to push it to get into trouble these days.

    For those of you that will now say: “yeah, and who are you?” I live in Thailand. Been married to a Thai for more than 10 years.

    Just be nice, make a wai, show respect and bring up football 😉

  • Der Gerät | 12.09.2017

    What exactly is your guys’ problem with the insurance? You need the same kind of insurance in any other country as well, so you should already have it. As far as I’m concerned, I have a liability insurance which will cover third party damage up to 3.000.000$ and even it Switzerland, which is an expensive country hardly costs more than 100$ per year, and yes, I am covered abroad in foreign countries.
    Apart from that, there should be no more people asking whether a Mavic or a Spark need to be registered or not. Does it weigh more than 2kg OR have a camera, it needs to be registered, that simple!!!
    The entire discussion about whether the laws are being enforced in Thailand, or in any other country for that matter is completely useless.
    The rules and regulations are out there for everyone to look into for basically any country. If they don’t seem convenient for you or you personally feel like they don’t apply to you go ahead and just go and fly. If you get caught and fined or maybe even worse, just don’t dare to complain, it’s that simple.
    And obviously commercial use is any flight for which you are being reimbursed financially or alike.

    • allan Lever | 20.09.2017

      Actually it isn’t that simple..Firstly does your policy list? ; – UAV Brand

      – UAV Model

      – **UAV Serial Number**

      – UAV Weight

      – Your name as an insured on the paperwork as well

      – Please also mention if this insurance policy will be covered in Thailand or Worldwide.
      If not then it is NOT suitable. These rules are set up to cover the ONE and only Drone insurance company here in Thailand.. secondly there is NOTHING in the Thai CAA drone act 2015 that refers to registration of drones under 2kg, camera or not.. cameras are not mentioned. And that law has not been amended. it is a CAA rule so that you buy insurance from the Thai drone insurance company..NOT LAW! You only need to register a drone here in Thailand IF it is over 2kg -25kg and/ or for commercial work. Same for the insurance (but 3rd party insurance is a good idea, just not at $90 per drone)

  • Maarten | 21.09.2017

    I’ve been trying to find insurance for months but they either not reply to emails or mail-forms or ask 600 U$ a year.
    The drone racing asocoation mentioned above did not reply to my registration, nor to my emailed question.

    US companies bomb me with adds… but can’t insure me since I’m not a US citizen. Dumb.

    So, if anyone knows a company that offers a third-party drone insurance for u$ 100 or less, and accepts clients from the Netherlands for a 1.2 kilo camera drone, please let me know.

  • Phil spark | 22.09.2017

    I’m now about to attempt registering my spark and getting insurance from the Thai drone insurance company I found. It appears that this insurance company will register and insure for you. I’ll be back with prices and procedures once my wife has spoken to them, and ensured stuff is above board and straight forward enough.

    • Maarten | 23.09.2017

      Great !!!

      • Steve dove | 29.09.2017

        Hi go the name or number of the company as am wondering whether to take my p4 or not took it earlier this year no problems cheers

    • Allan | 23.09.2017

      I believe it’s 3,000b for the insurance (3 days) and additional 1,500b for them to process the paperwork to the CAA.. (2 months minimum)

      • Phil spark | 07.10.2017

        Can confirm these prices.

        Will report back with much more detailed report once I’ve done the second bit for the registration (now I’m insured).

        Thanks

    • maarten | 07.10.2017

      Would be nice to get that address or phone nr of the insurance Phil Spark.

      • Phil spark | 07.10.2017

        Hi.

        Following up late. Sorry.
        I am now all insured (3000b)

        No hassles, a few photos of the drone and copy of passport and fill out some forms (they have translations available)

        https://www.facebook.com/dronethaiinsurance/

        About to pay the 1500 on Monday to start the registration service they run.

        Will report back with what further docs they require but I’m assured it’s not a bunch of stuff from police checks or residency certificate etc. They’re being mysterious, but I think they have found a “way” to reduce the paperwork a bit. Will report back.

        • Maarten | 07.10.2017

          Thanks !!!!

        • Maarten | 12.10.2017

          More bad news.
          This Thai insurer refuses to do the registration (1500 baht) if you don’t buy his insurance, which by the way is only valid in Thailand.
          As soon as I told him I had International insurance he became rude and basically told me to go f%$#k myself. Nice way of doing bussines.
          I also learnt that registering via this company can take half a year… (?????)
          Better do it yourself.
          By the way, if your drone is not controlled by your phone, but by a seperate co troller, this controller must be registered by the NBTC (as it is a transmitter… dub!)

  • Rick | 26.09.2017

    Worldwide insurance coverage is available through the international drone Racing Association. Website is at http://www.idra.co . Insurance cost is $165 for 1 year for $1000000 of coverage and covers up to two drones. You must register was on the website in order to purchase the insurance. Registration is free. The international drone Racing Association is a usa based Association.

    • Maarten | 10.10.2017

      Yeah. Tried the IDRA a few weeks ago. Still waiting for their reply 🙁

      • Big Ken | 17.10.2017

        I tried IDRA. I think they are a scam. I have tried to email them several time with no reply.

        • Jp K | 08.11.2017

          That’s weird, because I asked just for some more information and they replied the next day.

          • BigKen | 09.11.2017

            I have emailed them at least 5 times with no response. I’m thinking of filing a complaint with the bbb and FTC, for selling fraudulent services across state lines (mail/wire fraud) .

  • Frederik | 26.09.2017

    I am at the moment in the process of trying to register my mavic pro in Thailand. The guy selling the drone to me said it will take 6 months. 🙁
    I will try to insure it by The International Drone Racing Association, because it seemed to work for Christopher. Anybody else have experience with them?

    At the UAV Registration Application Form for be able to fly in Thailand there a line where you have to fill in “Registration Marks”. Do you have any idea what this could stand for? Of course i asked the CAAT per mail, but no answer.

    Thanks for any help.

    • Maarten | 08.10.2017

      I tried the IDRA and in the form they asked where the drone was registered.
      I asked them what that meant via their mail-form 2 weeks ago… still waiting for a reply 🙁

      An other US based company offered international insurance but… only if you live in the US. Duh! 🙁

  • Majew | 07.10.2017

    Registratur Mark is not for you but from office. CAAT has a tel.nr that you can call. They say they need 45 days for checking @ 3 different gov. offices.

    • Majew | 08.10.2017

      About insurance: I have completed a German insurance which is valid worldwide except North America and it is significantly cheaper at 1,500,000 € insurance sum. The only thing they asked me, if I would be the only user.

  • Jurjen | 08.10.2017

    Hi Guys,

    Im leaving for thailand in 3 weeks, so no time for registration. My drone has a camera, but I can remove it. Also it is under 2 kg. Would it be safe to travel with the drone? Even if I don’t use it? I’m only passing in thailand for a couple of days but I want to fly it in other countries where it is allowed.

    • Best Api | 12.10.2017

      you can go to the police station and write a form, so you can use it.

      • IC | 10.01.2018

        I have the same issue, if I can’t fly my SPARK that’s fine…just don’t want it to be confiscated!! But is it that easy to register st police station?

  • Adam West | 09.10.2017

    I applied for registration back in June and am still waiting. I’ve already been to Thailand and am back home… Insurance was easy but registration runs on Thai time which is what they say plus 100% on top or more.

  • Majew | 10.10.2017

    Here you can find links to cheap Insurances https://www.kopter-profi.de/index.php/faq/fragen-zum-kopter-profi-tarif-gewerbe-2

    • Maarten | 10.10.2017

      Sadly they only take german clients 🙁

      And to make the story more sad, the thai insurer mentioned above only insures inside thailand, not world-wide.

      I am trying to do the right thing and isure my drone… but it seems more and more impossible. Sometimes I wonder why the hell I even try 🙁

  • Maarten | 10.10.2017

    Today I received an email from the IDRA and I am now (it seems) insured.
    I even have a contact person there 🙂
    Makes me a happy droner.

  • Euron | 12.10.2017

    Not sure if this has been mentioned here yet (see link below) , my drone dealer sent me all the info and forms in Thai already, seems pretty straightforward. I’m now on a holiday and will be back home in Thailand end of the month to look into it for real, just thought I’d share for now:

    https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/1340895/drone-users-face-fines-jail-terms

  • Juan Bodan | 12.10.2017

    I have registered my P4P it took three months the process plus $150 for insurance, the link below are the one who sell insurance and could help with licensing too

    http://www.dronethaiinsurance.com/

  • Majew | 12.10.2017

    All the drones on the ground
    Bangkok – A flight ban was imposed on all the drones. Drones may only return once they are registered by the owners within 90 days.
    Violations will be punished with a fine of 100,000 baht and / or imprisonment of up to five years.
    On 11 October, the regulatory authority NBTC adopted the new regulation. On the same day the flight ban was pronounced with the indication that the registration period is now running
    Drones so far have been the responsibility of the Ministry of Transport. Since drones are controlled by radio, the NBTC took over, which immediately gave the new regulation.
    The drones can be registered by their owners in the main administration of the civil aviation authority Thailand or the NBTC itself (main administration and 21 branches in the provinces) or at all police services.

  • Majew | 12.10.2017

    Now I am completely confused. So far, the aviation authority CAAT was responsible. Now it is said that the Ministry of Transport was responsible and now another for the radio traffic, which increases the penalties ten times; but you only need a registration at a police station. Or is it all just a fake message from drones hater?

    • Maarten | 12.10.2017

      My brother-in-law is a high ranking police officer in Nakhon Phanom. I will ask him to check this and as soon as I know anything I will post it.
      I did hear the NBTC wanted the controllers registered, but not that they “took over”.
      Registering at the police-office does not sound “reliable”.

  • Gc | 15.10.2017

    Hi, I have just come across this page and I am going to Singapore, Bangkok and Koi Samoi in less than three weeks. I have a go pro Karma am I okay or is there anything I can do? Nothing commercial just personal filming.

  • Majew | 16.10.2017

    Today I have been with my mavic and housebook at a small policestation for registering. Of cause they had no formular or knowledge, but they wrote my data in the daily reportbook. That was okay. Then we called CAAT about my request. They said, they would have sent an email with the permission to me 2 weeks ago. But I did not receive. Anyway, now I have the permission, about 2 month I needed. Maybe more difficult for tourist with hoteladress.

    • Adam West | 16.10.2017

      I was told 2 months but still nothing. I applied back in June. And Thais wonder when farangs get upset. I have a residential address in Chiangrai and this obviously doesn’t make a difference.

    • Juan | 22.10.2017

      Majew if you comply with all the documents they request, you will have you license, but as you described is far from done, not even application filled, go back to police station and ask again!!!

  • Adam West | 16.10.2017

    You need CAAT registration. Anything else will not be legal. I was told that I would be sent my registration in two weeks over one month ago. Then I was sent out the forms again in English even though my security clearance was OK. It’s Thailand and that says it all. Even Thai people that I spoke to complain about the endless red tape and unending time periods for completion of said red tape.

    • Adam West | 16.10.2017

      I just read the story about the 90 period to register. it does say to do it at various places but this is not reflected on the CAAT website.
      Ahh Thailand. The place I sort of love but love to hate. I wish I could ditch my Thai wife and be done with it.

    • Juan | 22.10.2017

      Hi Adam, did you sent the insurance papers too? if so do you contacted Mrs. Apinya? she is in charge of this issues

  • Andre K | 16.10.2017

    I wouldn’t mind getting registration and hiring insurance. Two points not clear to me:
    1. Where can I hire insurance?
    2. How do I get my proof of not criminal records in Thailand?
    I am travelling to Thailand in December 25th. I guess there is enough time if I send the documents right away.
    Anyone can help?
    Best,

    • Adam West | 16.10.2017

      I used mittare insurance… You may be out of luck if wanting register with CAAT in such a short time frame. Unless you slip them a 50 under the table of course.
      As far as i know, they do the background checks

    • majew | 16.10.2017

      Insurance I made in Germany (read above). You must download formular at CAAT website and send all copies about drone, residence, passport and insurance to CAAT. Write, that you are the only user.

    • Juan | 22.10.2017

      Hi Andre K. when you submit your documents with CAAT they check with immigration, Narcotics and central Intelligence, so you are safe

  • Chris | 16.10.2017

    So far, I haven’t received ANY responses from the Thai government. Been waiting over a month and already have sent a handful of e-mails to various sources. I tried, but I’m just going to wing it and take my chances for my trip in two weeks. It shouldn’t be this hard to obey the laws. Let’s hope I don’t lose my drone. Haha.

    • Majew | 22.10.2017

      Loosing the drone is one thing. But getting punished up to 5 years prison or 100000 THB maybe a different!

    • Juan | 22.10.2017

      As long you don’t fly, you are safe, at customs in the airport you can tell them you will register and you are aware of the law, if possible fill up form and have it with your drone as act of good faith.

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