As drone technology becomes more advanced and accessible, many travellers bring drones to capture aerial views of their destinations. With its natural beauty and cultural landmarks, Thailand is a prime location for drone photography. However, flying a drone in Thailand is governed by strict legal requirements.
All drones—officially classified as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles—must be registered and operated in full compliance with national aviation regulations. Violations may result in fines, imprisonment, or confiscation of equipment.
This guide outlines the key procedures and legal obligations for registering and flying drones lawfully in Thailand.
Import and Registration Requirements
Drones may be brought into Thailand but cannot be operated legally until registered with both the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT).
The NBTC handles drone ownership and radio frequency registration via anyregis.nbtc.go.th. CAAT manages registration for both the drone and its operator and issues the required drone pilot certificate via the UAS Portal: uasportal.caat.or.th.
Registration with a single agency alone is insufficient. Both NBTC and CAAT registration are mandatory for the legal operation of drones.
Which Drones Require Registration
All drones must be registered with NBTC, regardless of weight or use.
CAAT registration is additionally required for drones equipped with cameras or recording devices, drones weighing over two kilograms but under twenty-five kilograms, and all drones exceeding twenty-five kilograms. The latter must also receive written approval from the Minister of Transport.
Pre-Flight Procedures and Certification
Before operating a drone in Thailand, operators are encouraged to review applicable regulations and complete CAAT’s online knowledge test through the UAS Portal. Though optional in some cases, the test ensures familiarity with Thai airspace rules.
Drones must be insured with third-party liability coverage of at least one million Thai Baht. Insurance may be arranged locally or abroad.
Upon arrival in Thailand, a Thai SIM card is required to initiate registration via the UAS Portal. The process includes account creation, identity verification via a one-time password, and submission of documents for both drone and operator registration.
To obtain a drone pilot certificate, operators must pass an online exam. If the exam is not passed, it may be retaken after a 24-hour waiting period. Once approved, the certificate remains valid for two years. A registration number will be issued and must be visibly displayed on the drone. Labels must use a font size of at least 3 mm for drones weighing less than 25 kg, and at least 25 mm for those weighing more than 25 kg.
Important Update from CAAT
Effective 30 June 2025, CAAT will permanently discontinue its legacy drone registration website, uav.caat.or.th. After this date, the site will no longer be accessible, and all related services and documents will be unavailable.
Operators who received a registration certificate through this website are advised to download and securely store copies of their documents before the deadline.
From 30 June 2025 onward, all drone and operator registrations must be completed exclusively via the CAAT UAS Portal: uasportal.caat.or.th
Rules for Flying Drones in Thailand
Drone operation is regulated by CAAT’s safety and airspace guidelines. Drones must not endanger life, property, or public peace. Flights over urban areas, gatherings, or near government buildings, hospitals, military zones, or restricted areas (as designated in the Aeronautical Information Publication – Thailand) are prohibited unless authorised. Takeoff and landing zones must be unobstructed.
Flights are permitted only during daylight hours, in clear weather, and within visual line of sight. The use of first-person view or onboard cameras alone for navigation is not permitted. Flying into or near cloud cover is prohibited.
Drones may not operate within nine kilometres of an airport or temporary airfield without prior approval. The transport of hazardous materials, including laser devices, is strictly forbidden.
Minimum safe distances must be maintained: 30 metres for drones weighing under 2 kilograms and 50 metres for drones weighing between 2 and 25 kilograms.
Any drone-related incident must be reported immediately to CAAT via phone at +66 2 568 8851 or email at [email protected]. Special operations—such as night flights, flights above 90 metres, or entry into restricted zones—require prior written approval via [email protected].
Contact Information
National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC)
For drone ownership and radio frequency registration
Address: 87 Phaholyothin Soi 8, Samsen Nai, Phaya Thai, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Phone: +66 2 670 8888
Call Center: 1200 (within Thailand)
Website: www.nbtc.go.th
Drone Registration Portal: https://anyregis.nbtc.go.th
Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT)
For drone and pilot registration and flight regulation compliance
Address: 222 Vibhavadi Rangsit Soi 28, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
Phone: +66 2 568 8851
Email: [email protected]
For special operations: [email protected]
Website: www.caat.or.th
Drone Registration Portal: https://uasportal.caat.or.th
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