Drone regulations in Thailand (2024)
Last update on 04.04.2024 | 501 Kommentare
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
Drone labels can be ordered here
CAAT: 0066 (0) 2568 8815
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 actually only complete the NBTC registration in the country. According to some experiences from our community, you can upload your e-ticket for the flight to Thailand instead of the entry stamp.
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:
- 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. - 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). - 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. - 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!
As you can see guys will get only more active the law
https://www.bangkokpost.com/archive/cib-tackles-illegal-drone-flight-threat/1330587
It’s about permission or license?
Eddy permission and license is the same,
Yes and No.. NBTC require registration of all drones over 250g. CAAT only require if it has a camera (even though it isn’t written in the 2015 Thailand Drone act) and for commercial purposes. They are no longer sharing information ( but that could change again). It’s a clusterfxxx!
– RPA with camera installed must be registered with no exceptions. They dont say only for commercial use!
Allan, I do have license (permission) and did all with CAAT, just to make sure I just talked with NBTC and they told me if CAAT issued license, no need any further step because CAAT share information with NBTC
What NBTC and police are doing is just collecting information means registration
When you fill up the application from CAAT you will find that part of the form asks about what radio frequency the drone operates
Regarding the comercial drones as long the person got all papers right shouldn’t be issue, there are a couple of companies one in Phuket and another in Koh Samui, they don’t have any issues with license even here in Bangkok there is company
Form more information ask insurances company they should have more details, I fly as hobby so no further idea about it
Majew. It doesn’t state that in the 2015 Drone act.. it has two categories. One for Hobby usage and one that is clearly for commercial purposes. But unfortunately the CAAT chosen to state that all camera drones require registration. There is a vague reference to photography but nothing that explicitly stated it. CAAT are also at the moment deeming all cameras, even FPV camera equipped drones.. most racers own a multitude of drones. They aren’t going to pay 3k a year on insurance. Hence my reference to the crappy regulations. There are a couple of court cases against this overreaching of the 2015 drone act progressing presently.
Whats is yhe process if fyling drone in chiang mai thailand, only need is register the drone on nbtc
If you register with CAAT using their forms, where do you send the completed forms by email?
Can you wait until you are approved before getting insurance?
Yes after you filled application sent it by email, ( I did all the process by email) you probable has to talk with them to send insurance later, goood luck Eric
where do we email the forms again? I remember emailing [email protected] and I never got a reply. I can’t find the comment to whom we email.
It took 75 days, but today I received the permission from the CAAT with a letter.
(Here in Thailand) Although I had sent all the requirements and even attached a fingerprint police certificate to Bangkok and a stamped envelope. But that had brought no advantage. Maybe you have to audition in the CAAT headquarters and ask for an express treatment for a corresponding “fee”
Congratulations Majew, happy flying
A quick question, I haven’t booked my hotel or airbnb yet, what address do I need to put or do I even need to put an address as to where I am staying?
You should ask CAAT 0066 632058819.
And write here for the other who are interested.
I realized that the address they are asking for is just your current address, not necessarily the address you are going to be staying at. My fault…
Wait, Majew, didn’t you fill out the form and send it to the CAAT?
Yes, only to CAAT. I used a letter and sent from inside Thailand. I have been to the local police too and they made an advice in their logbook. But I think that was not nessessary.
today i had a broken english conversation with a guy from Chiang Mai Flying. He told me that the registration with NBTC is necessary, although the CAAT malarky is not, as long as you obey the local laws. Don’t know how much truth there is behind that, but he told me it was a waste of time to have CAAT registration, as 99.9% of police don’t know the laws. NBTC registration in Chiang Mai is easy and done in 10 minutes. At least i have a document to show any police if they stop me.
Yes, that’s exactly what I expected after seening the new regulation. Because it wold takes over 2 month to wait CAAT done , that makes no nonsense for tourist.
Yes, only to CAAT. I used a letter and sent from inside Thailand. I have been to the local police too and they made an advice in their logbook. But I think that was not nessessary.
hi i know that i have to have a copy of my identity card and the proof of a multicopter insurance but where do i get a multicopter insurance any good you know? and a copy of my identity where do i place it ? do i have to have any permit before entering the country or the may take my drone ?` sorry for my eng and thanks
News: http://www.wochenblitz.com/nachrichten/83303-wegen-drohnenflug-droht-gefaengnis.html
Sorry, only in german.
An risky idiot
First, thanks for providing this website, i found it really helpful!
Re Thailand, I went to NTBC office in Bangkok after I arrived, so I would have at least “something” if i ran into a situation. I didn’t bother flying in BKK (likewise we wouldn’t and mustn’t fly in populated areas of Berlin, Paris, …)
However, once i arrived to the southern islands (Ko Lanta, Ko Muk, etc.), i took out my Spark, flew around and nobody cared. If anything, locals and other tourists wanted to see my screen and send pictures by email.
If you don’t want to risk that, you can rent a longtail boat and launch it from there. Again here, co travellers that i didn’t know before were supportive, I shared pictures, nobody got angry. Even the captain now has a drone picture of his boat 🙂
Just went to NBTC office region 9 here in Chiang Mai (next door to airport)and registered 2 drones,Very straight forward and in/out in 10 mins.Need form(in Thai filled in)copy of passport/photos of drone including serial nos.
However this is not a CAAT permit to fly which is next step.Cheers
Dear Nig,
I would like to travel Bangkok with Spark to investigate near coast area as part of my research. I am from Japan. Can you guide me with clear details to get permission to fly our Drone? We also have Bankok University team to support us to fly the Drone. I will be looking forward to receiving your details to [email protected]
Thanks and regards
Dr. Raju
Yes,NBTC register looks easy but CAAT is the hard one, Could you share your experience of doing it? How did you get a insurance and how long did you wait for process? Thanks
The NBTC registration is 10 mins.However the CAAT permission to fly is around 2-3 months and you need Liability insurance.I bought the insurance from a company called Mittare through this company/person.Its around Thai Baht 3000 per year.
[email protected]
Duangmanee Sukawatano
DroneThaiInsurance
Tel.081-812-9171
thanks mate
Correct !!! NBTC manage only your radio as per telecom law that all !!! and do not give any permission to fly RPA If you have walkies talkies it is same process all radio Radio transmitter shall be recorded in Thailand as per law If you have ready recorded your drone with CAAT do not need to record radio with NBTC the inverse is not true
Hi
I would like to bring my GoPro Karma drone to Thailand. This drone weighs 1.006 kg. I would be using it for personal use namely making a video of my holiday. This drone is used with my GoPro camera attached to it. Do I need to register my drone or get it insured or anything else. Does anyone know anything about this case?
Anything with a camera requires a Drone license. In order to get a license you need insurance.
Does anyone know the rules around taking the drone into Thailand if you have no intention of using it there….?
We are just stopping though in Thailand for a few days and haven’t left enough time for completing and sending off all the forms required.
Never had any problems bringing my drones into and out of Thailand so far.4 times this year so far.
Customs not interested.Cheers
I have mini drone with camera (maximum height up to 10m only)
Is it okay to fly in Thailand without a license?
Flying in backward 3rd world countries is always dangerous. The cops always lie about laws and then there is the whole corruption issue. Don’t fly where people can see you at all and you might be lucky.
Following their tiny minded laws to the letter still won’t protect you…. the cops make up the laws as they go.
I have read through the entire blog here
I am buying a drone which will be shipped from a Chinese warehouse A Mavic Pro so first I wonder if they will let it in
secondly to make sure I have it right I Need
Insurance
To register with CAAT
to register with NBTC
and the police clearances will be done by CAAT
You do not need to record BNTC radio if you record !!! CAAT (with insurance mandatory ) I am formal because i had a meeting with Regional office NBTC in charge of 6 province Northeast ( Ubon Ratchathani)
Gentlemen,
There are 2 recordings to make !!
NBTC for radio telecommunication
CAAT for authorization of flight if the drone Category 1. A of -2 kg carries a camera the Caat specifies no exception
The regulation (B.E. 2558 (A.D. 2015)
Article 5 (2) during flight
(b) (b) must not fly into restricted area (VTP), limited area (VTR) and dangerous area (VTD)
announced in Aeronautical Information Publication – Thailand or AIP- Thailand and also at
government buildings and hospitals unless permission is given.
Find here the application issued by CAAT / AIS and finally discover that you do not have much space to fly included the islands of the South ….!!!!!
Please use APP AIP interactive map AIP here
ENR 5 AIP THAILAND CAAT Application Google Earth Kmz https://www.dropbox.com/s/qbbqpd4jsf2dlnx/ENR%205%20AIP%20THAILAND%20%20CAAT%20Application%20Google%20Earth%20Kmz%20.pdf?dl=0
Source https://www.caat.or.th/th/archives/category/data-research-th/aip3-th