Drone Flight Regulations in Thailand
Summary of Key Points from the CAAT Announcement that All Users Must Know
Important Announcement: Prohibited Flight Zones!
For security purposes, the CAAT has announced a drone flight ban in the area of five Thai-Cambodian border provinces.
Sa Kaeo
Buriram
Surin
Si Sa Ket
Ubon Ratchathani
2. Make Sure! Does your drone require registration?
Registration depends on 'weight' and 'the presence of a camera'.
What are the specifications of your drone?
No camera & Weight ≤2 kg
✅No registration required.
Equipped with a camera & Weight ≤2 kg
NBTC Registration
Weight >2 kg but ≤25 kg
CAAT (The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand) Registration
Weight >25 kg
CAAT Registration + Seek Permission/Authorization
3. Iron Rules to Remember (General Regulations)
Things to Do (DOs)
- Always fly within Visual Line of Sight (VLOS).
- Fly during daytime only.
- Always inspect the drone's condition before every flight.
Prohibited Actions (DON'Ts)
- Do not fly higher than 90 meters (300 feet).
- Do not fly over communities or urban areas.
- Do not fly near airports or government premises/offices.
- Do not violate the personal rights/privacy of others.
4. Qualifications and Penalties
Drone Operator Qualifications/Requirements
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Must not pose a threat to national security.
- Must have Third-Party Liability Insurance (coverage $> 1$ million Baht).
Penalties for violation
Violators shall be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding 40,000 Baht, or both.
Fly Your Drone Responsibly
Study the information, follow the rules, for the safety of everyone.
CAAT Announcement on Drone Flight Prohibition (No. 5)
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) issued Announcement No. 4 on August 28, 2025, and subsequently issued No. 5 on September 1, 2025, to revoke and replace the previous edition, specifying new areas, periods, and detailed conditions for drone operation.
Overview of the Announcement
Both announcements were issued to control the use of Unmanned Aircraft (Drone) during the Thailand–Cambodia border situation and military missions, with the aim to:
- Maintain national security.
- Prevent impacts on the missions of the military and security agencies.
- Ensure/Enhance the safety of the public.
Period of Enforcement/Validity
| Announcement No. 4 | Announced on August 28, 2025, taking effect from August 31, 2025, onwards. |
|---|---|
| Announcement No. 5 | Announced on September 1, 2025, it replaces Announcement No. 4, specifying the period from September 1–15, 2025, or until there is a change announcement. |
Details of Announcement No. 4 (August 28, 2025)
Announcement No. 4 imposes a drone flight ban in the Thailand–Cambodia border areas and areas related to military activities, while allowing the possibility of special permission requests. The focus is on preventing impacts on security and public order.
Summary of the Main Content of Announcement No. 5 (September 1, 2025)
- Revokes Announcement No. 4 and takes immediate effect in its place, covering the period September 1–15, 2025 (or until a change announcement).
- Clearly specifies prohibited flight zones, including 5 provinces along the Thai–Cambodian border (Buriram, Surin, Sisaket, Ubon Ratchathani, and related areas), special control areas (Sattahip District, Mueang Rayong District, Phayuha Khiri District, Mueang Ratchaburi District), and the western border line from the Salween River to the Gulf of Thailand, as well as other areas designated by the government.
- Conditions for Flying When Authorized: Flying is allowed only between 06.00–18.00 hrs., at a height not exceeding 90 meters (300 feet), and the date, time, location, and purpose must be notified in advance via the UAS Portal, along with an email to [email protected].
- Requirements for the Operator/Owner: Must register with the CAAT, hold a non-expired license, and have no order of revocation.
- Penalties for Violators: Imprisonment for a term not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding 40,000 Baht, or both.
- Exemptions: Government agencies such as the Military, Police, Ministry of Agriculture, and Ministry of Natural Resources are permitted to operate under strict safety measures.
Comparison of Announcement No. 4 and Announcement No. 5
| Key Point | Announcement No. 4 (August 28, 2025) | Announcement No. 5 (September 1, 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Effective from August 31, 2025. | Revokes Announcement No. 4 and replaces it. |
| Duration | Commences on August 31, 2025 (No clear end date specified). | Clearly Specified: September 1–15, 2025 |
| No-fly zones | Thai–Cambodian Border and Military Areas | Clearly specifies provinces/districts + Western border + Additional areas designated by the government. |
| Flight Conditions/Requirements | Must be registered/Hold a license | Added time/height restrictions + Must notify in advance via UAS Portal and police email. |
| Coordination / Liaison | With the CAAT | CAAT + Anti-Drone Operations Center (Metropolitan Police Bureau) + Local Incident Reporting Center |
| Penalties | Referring to the Air Navigation Act | Clearly Specified: Imprisonment not exceeding 1 year / Fine not exceeding 40,000 Baht |
Maps and List of Airports/Related Areas
Areas Where Drone Flights Are Prohibited
Prohibited flight zones according to Announcement No. 5 include:
- Provinces along the Thai-Cambodian border
Sakaeo, Buriram, Sisaket, Surin, Ubon Ratchathani - Special Control Area
Sattahip District (Chonburi), Mueang Rayong District (Rayong), Phayuha Khiri District (Nakhon Sawan), Mueang Ratchaburi District (Ratchaburi) - Western Border Area From the Salween River to the Gulf of Thailand
- Other Areas additionally designated by the government
Qualifications and Application for Permission
Those who intend to fly drones during the said period (outside the prohibited zones) must:
- Register the operator/owner of the unmanned aircraft with the CAAT.
- Hold a non-expired license to operate or fly unmanned aircraft.
- Submit an application for permission via the UAS Portal.
- Must not have a final order for revocation of registration or license.
Conditions for Flying When Authorized
- Flying is permitted only between 06.00–18.00 hrs.
- Flying not exceeding the height of 90 meters (300 feet).
- Always notify the date, time, location, and purpose of the flight in advance via the UAS Portal and the email [email protected].
Penalties for Violators
Those who violate this announcement shall be liable to a penalty of imprisonment for a term not exceeding 1 year, or a fine not exceeding 40,000 Baht, or both, in accordance with Section 24 of the Air Navigation Act B.E. 2497 (1954) and its amendments.
Exemptions
Flight operations by government agencies, such as the Military, Police, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, and Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, are permitted, but must be conducted under strict safety measures.
History and Changes
Announcement No. 4 (August 28, 2025) was an initial measure prohibiting drone flights in border and military areas, taking effect from August 31, 2025.
Subsequently, Announcement No. 5 (September 1, 2025) was issued to replace and revoke the previous edition, adding details regarding the period, prohibited flight zones, conditions, and penalties, to ensure the public can understand and comply more clearly.
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