Drone regulations in Thailand (2020)

If you want to fly a drone in Thailand, you will have to jump 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 Foot) 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

uav@caat.or.th

Resources:
CAAT info with contact details
FAQ about drone registration

Source:Drones in Thailand