New Drone Legislation
Complete summary in one place: Who needs to do it? How to do it? And how does it differ from the rest of the world?
Responsibility 'shifts' from the buyer to the seller.
Before.
The buyer must handle the registration on their own after the purchase.
After
The seller must handle everything properly before delivery.
Impact: What do we gain? What do we lose?
Pro.
- Government controls 100%: Easy to monitor, track every flight, ensuring security.
- Buyer's utmost convenience: Receive the product and fly immediately, no need to handle paperwork.
- Establish standards for sellers: Screen legitimate operators.
Cons.
- The burden falls on the seller: Adds steps, costs, and complexity for operators.
- Prices may increase: The seller's rising costs may be passed on to consumers.
- Small vendors are at a disadvantage: It may affect market competition.
Important information you need to know further
Which types of drones need to be registered?
Drones with cameras or weighing more than 2 kilograms must be registered with both the NBTC and CAAT.
Penalties for violation
Failure to register with the NBTC may result in imprisonment for up to 1 year, a fine of up to 40,000 Baht, or both imprisonment and a fine.
Relevant agencies
NBTC: Oversees the registration of frequency spectrum.
CAAT: Oversees the registration of drone operators.
Thai Model vs International Model
Thailand
Responsible party: Seller
type: Focus on registering the device (Device-centric)
Philosophy: Upstream control.
International (U.S. / EU)
Responsible party: Operator
type: Focus on registering "User" (User-centric)
Philosophy: Focus on personal responsibility.
Drone Registration with the NBTC: Safety, Security, and Lessons from Other Countries
Introduction
Drones are no longer just entertainment devices; they have become essential tools in journalism, agriculture, logistics, and infrastructure inspections. Therefore, regulation is necessary for public safety and national security. This article summarizes the key points from the announcement of NBTC on the Registration of Unmanned Aircraft Radio Communication Devices (Drones), with a comparison to international standards and outlining trends that users should be aware of.
Origin of the announcement.
On (date) 22 August 2023 The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has issued an urgent letter instructing all licensees of radio communication devices to register drones before delivery or use Register the drone before delivery or use. Based on the announcement from The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) Which prohibits the operation or use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) without permission, in order to maintain safety, order, and national security.
Key points of the NBTC announcement.
- Must be registered before use/delivery. Anyone who has or will sell drones must ensure that the device is registered with the NBTC before actual use or before delivery to the new owner.
- Drones are considered as radio communication devices. Because they transmit and receive control signals and data, they fall under the regulation of frequency spectrum management.
- Enhance safety and security. Reduce the risks of flight interference, signal jamming, espionage, or misuse.
Impact on users and operators.
- General users You need to allocate time and costs for registration, but it ensures confidence that the usage is legal.
- Business operator / Shop You should inform customers about the registration requirements and may offer services to assist with the process for convenience.
- The government and public safety. Having a drone database helps to monitor, inspect, and enforce laws more effectively.
Foreign laws: A brief comparison.
Many countries use similar principles, including: Mandatory registration Test/Controller license and Area restrictions - flight ceiling The following table summarizes the overview for comparison:
| Country/Organization | Must register when | License/Examination | Main limitations | โทษเด่นเมื่อฝ่าฝืน |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States of America (FAA) | Weight >= 250 grams | Commercial use requires Part 107 (written test). | No flying near airports/restricted areas. | โทษตามกฎหมายการบินพลเรือนของสหรัฐฯ |
| United Kingdom (CAA) | Weight >= 250 grams requires an Operator ID. | The operator must have a Flyer ID (knowledge test). | Altitude not exceeding ~120 meters and maintaining distance from people/buildings. | ค่าปรับตามกฎหมายการบินของสหราชอาณาจักร |
| Japan (MLIT) | Mandatory registration for all sizes. | Emphasize identity verification with Remote ID. | Restricted areas and flight ceiling according to the announcement. | ปรับสูงสุด ~500,000 เยน (กรณีไม่ลงทะเบียน) |
| Singapore (CAAS) | Weight >= 250 grams | Certain activities require additional permission. | No flying in security zones/airports. | ปรับสูงสุด ~50,000 ดอลลาร์สิงคโปร์/จำคุก |
Summary information for an overview, subject to changes/additional details. It is advisable to check the latest requirements with the relevant authorities in each country before use.
Lessons and future trends.
- International standards are converging. Countries focus on registration + knowledge testing + defining flight areas.
- Remote ID There is a trend toward wider adoption (already used in Japan) to enable real-time identification and reduce risks.
- Continuous growth in application usage. Media, agriculture, logistics, safety, and infrastructure inspections are leading to stricter regulations.
Summary
"The mandatory drone registration by the NBTC is a crucial mechanism for managing frequency spectrum and public safety, aligning with international directions. Users should view registration not as a burden, but as Shared responsibility for society To ensure that drone technology creates maximum benefit safely and sustainably.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1) Drones must be registered with the NBTC (National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission).
Since drones are radio communication devices that transmit and receive signals, registration helps regulate frequency spectrum usage, reduce interference with communication/aviation systems, and enhance public safety.
2) What will happen if registration is not completed?
Failure to register may constitute a violation of the relevant laws and result in penalties as prescribed. The details of the penalties depend on the announcements and laws in effect at that time.
3) Is registration required in all cases?
In general, you should check if your drone transmits and receives signals (almost all models) and is subject to the regulations set by the law. If operating in Thailand, you must register it according to the announcements from the NBTC/CAAT before use.
Final recommendation: Before each flight, check the area/restrictions on flying, update the latest regulations, and always carry proof of registration.
This article is compiled from the key points in the urgent letter from the NBTC dated 22 August 2023 regarding the registration of unmanned aircraft radio communication devices (drones), along with references to international practices for policy comparison.
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