Flying a Drone in Thailand: Updated Tourist Guide 2025
Planning to Bring a Drone to Thailand? Read This First
Thailand is a dream destination for drone enthusiasts, offering stunning coastlines, lush jungles, and rich cultural landmarks. But before you launch your drone, make sure you’re flying legally—Thailand has strict rules, and failure to follow them can lead to fines, confiscation, or even jail time.
Step 1: Register Your Drone Before You Fly
All drones (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) must be registered with:
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NBTC – for ownership and radio frequency usage
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CAAT – for drone and operator registration
Important: You must register with both agencies to fly legally.
Who Needs to Register?
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NBTC: All drones, no matter the weight or purpose
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CAAT: Drones with cameras or weighing over 2 kg
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Drones over 25 kg also need written approval from Thailand’s Minister of Transport
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Pre-Flight Requirements
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Third-party insurance: Coverage of at least 1 million THB
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Thai SIM card: Needed for OTP verification on CAAT’s UAS Portal
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Online knowledge test: Optional but recommended
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Drone pilot certificate: Required (valid for 2 years)
After passing the test, you’ll receive a registration number, which must be clearly displayed on your drone:
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3 mm font for drones < 25 kg
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25 mm font for drones > 25 kg
CAAT System Update – Effective 30 June 2025
CAAT will shut down its old site uav.caat.or.th permanently.
✅ Register only at the UAS Portal: uasportal.caat.or.th
✅ Download any old registration documents before 30 June 2025
Drone Flying Rules in Thailand
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Fly only in daylight and in good weather
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Maintain visual line of sight
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Avoid crowds, buildings, airports, military zones, or restricted areas
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Stay at least:
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30m away (under 2 kg drones)
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50m away (2–25 kg drones)
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Max height: 90 metres
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No first-person view-only navigation
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No hazardous payloads or lasers
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Special approvals are needed for:
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Night flights
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Flying over 90 metres
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Entering restricted zones
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Email: uas_u@caat.or.th
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In Case of Incidents
Report drone accidents immediately:
📞 +66 2 568 8851
📧 uav@caat.or.th
Contacts for Drone Registration
📡 NBTC – Ownership & Frequency
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Website: www.nbtc.go.th
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Registration: anyregis.nbtc.go.th
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Call Center: 1200 (Thailand only)
✈️ CAAT – Operation & Flight Rules
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Website: www.caat.or.th
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Registration Portal: uasportal.caat.or.th
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Phone: +66 2 568 8851
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Email: uav@caat.or.th
Final Tip:
Register, insure, and fly smart. Thailand welcomes your aerial creativity—just follow the rules to keep your drone and your trip trouble-free.
