Thailand Drone Laws Explained: What You Must Know in 2025 (Tourists & Locals)

Flying a drone in Thailand can yield stunning footage of tropical beaches, temples, and cityscapes – but it’s crucial to follow Thailand’s strict drone laws. As of 2025, both tourists and local residents must navigate a detailed set of regulations set by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) and the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC). This report breaks down everything you need to know – from mandatory registrations (CAAT drone license and NBTC radio permits) to flight rules (altitude limits, distances), no-fly zones (airports, royal sites, government areas), insurance requirements, penalties, and recent 2024–2025 updates. Stay within these guidelines to avoid heavy fines or even jail, and ensure safe, legal drone operations in Thailand.

Drone Categories Requiring Registration and Permits

Thailand categorizes drones by weight and onboard equipment (camera) to determine registration and permit requirements:

• NBTC Registration (All Drones): All drones, regardless of weight or purpose, must be registered with the NBTC, which handles drone ownership and radio frequency licensing tatnews.org tatnews.org. This requirement applies to every drone that will be operated in Thailand (including hobby drones), essentially covering any drone with a remote controller/radio transmitter tatnews.org feic.co.th.
• CAAT Registration (Drones with Cameras or Heavy Drones): In addition to NBTC, CAAT registration is mandatory for any drone equipped with a camera or recording device, as well as for heavier drones. Specifically, any drone over 2 kg in weight (up to 25 kg) or any drone with a camera must be registered with CAAT tatnews.org. Heavier UAVs above 25 kg are also allowed but are subject to special permits – they must be registered with CAAT and have written approval from the Minister of Transport before operation tatnews.org. (In practice, most consumer drones brought by tourists have cameras and fall under these rules, even if they weigh under 2 kg.)

✅ Note: The only minor exception to CAAT registration is an ultra-light drone under 2 kg that has no camera; such a device would still require NBTC registration but might not need CAAT registration feic.co.th. However, virtually all modern camera drones (even sub-250g models) do require CAAT registration and licensing in Thailand.

Registration and Licensing Procedures (CAAT and NBTC)

Before flying, drone owners must complete two parallel registrations in Thailand – one with NBTC and one with CAAT. Additionally, CAAT now requires obtaining a drone pilot license. Below is a summary of these procedures:

• NBTC Registration (Radio License): Registering with NBTC is required to legalize the drone’s radio frequencies and the ownership under Thai law feic.co.th. The NBTC registration can be done online via the AnyRegis portal (anyregis.nbtc.go.th) tatnews.org. You will need to create an account and submit personal identification (passport copy with entry stamp for foreigners), a local Thai address (even a hotel booking confirmation suffices), and photos/details of your drone (make, model, serial number) feic.co.th. A small fee (around THB 214) is payable to complete NBTC registration drone-traveller.com. Timing: You must register with NBTC within 30 days of bringing your drone into Thailand or purchasing it locally, even if you don’t fly during that period feic.co.th. For tourists, NBTC approval is typically granted for the duration of your entry visa/stamp (e.g. 30–60 days) and needs renewal if you extend your stay, whereas Thai residents get up to 90 days per registration feic.co.th. Once approved, NBTC will issue a radio license for your drone; keep this document with you when flying.
• CAAT Drone Registration & Operator License: Registering with CAAT is a more involved process that covers both the drone and the pilot. It is done through CAAT’s UAS online portal (uasportal.caat.or.th) tatnews.org. To use this system, you’ll need a local Thai mobile number to receive a one-time password for account verification tatnews.org. Before registering, you are required to obtain drone insurance (third-party liability) – proof of an insurance policy with at least ฿1 million coverage is a prerequisite for CAAT registration tatnews.org (see the Insurance section below). After creating your UAS portal account, you will submit detailed information about your drone (make, model, weight, serial number) and upload documents including your passport with Thai entry stamp and the insurance certificate drone-traveller.com drone-traveller.com. Pilot Licensing: As of 2025, CAAT also requires you to pass an online theoretical exam to obtain a Drone Operator License thailanddroneinsurance.com feic.co.th. The exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions (covering UAV general knowledge, Thai air law, airspace rules, human factors, and operational procedures) to be completed in 30–40 minutes thailanddroneinsurance.com feic.co.th. A score of 75% (30/40 questions correct) is needed to pass; if you fail, you must wait 24 hours before retaking the test tatnews.org feic.co.th. Once you pass the exam, you are issued a digital Unmanned Aircraft Pilot Certificate (drone operator license) immediately via the portal thailanddroneinsurance.com feic.co.th. This pilot license is valid for 2 years and must be renewed (by re-taking the exam) when it expires thailanddroneinsurance.com thailanddroneinsurance.com. Drone Registration ID: After completing the pilot license and submitting all drone info, CAAT will approve your drone registration and assign a unique registration number/ID for the aircraft tatnews.org. You are required to label this registration number on your drone – for drones <25 kg, use at least 3 mm font; for drones >25 kg, 25 mm font is required for visibility tatnews.org. The CAAT drone registration (for the aircraft) does not expire and is valid for the drone’s lifetime provided you maintain continuous insurance coverage; if your insurance lapses, the registration can be voided thailanddroneinsurance.com. Always carry copies (physical or digital) of your CAAT drone registration certificate and pilot license when operating the drone.

Summary: In practice, to legally fly, you should have three documents: NBTC registration, CAAT drone registration, and CAAT drone operator license, as well as your insurance proof drone-traveller.com drone-traveller.com. It is advisable to start the process as soon as you arrive in Thailand (or even prepare documents beforehand) because registration involves multiple steps. The good news is that once completed, these credentials allow you to fly your drone across Thailand (within the rules below) and even bring the same registered drone on future trips without re-registering the drone each time drone-traveller.com drone-traveller.com (you would only renew the pilot license every 2 years and renew NBTC if you have a new visa or stay).

Rules for Flying Drones in Thailand (Operational Guidelines)

Thailand has strict operational rules to ensure safety and privacy. All drone pilots must adhere to the following key rules while flying:

• Altitude Limit: Drones must not be flown higher than 90 meters (295 feet) above ground level reddit.com droneandslr.com. Flying above 90 m is only allowed with explicit prior permission from authorities (special flight authorization).
• Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) Only: You must maintain direct visual contact with your drone at all times during flight tatnews.org droneandslr.com. Using FPV (first-person view) goggles or purely camera view to fly beyond line of sight is not permitted. You also may not fly into or through cloud cover tatnews.org.
• Daylight & Weather: Drone operations are only allowed during daylight hours (sunrise to sunset) and in good weather conditions (clear skies) tatnews.org drone-traveller.com. Flying at night or in poor visibility requires special approval from CAAT tatnews.org.
• Distance from People and Property: Maintain a safe distance from people and structures. For small drones under 2 kg, keep at least 30 meters away from any person, vehicle, building, or structure not involved in the operation tatnews.org reddit.com. For drones 2–25 kg, maintain at least 50 meters of horizontal distance from people and property tatnews.org. Never fly directly over crowds, busy public areas, or gatherings of people without special permission tatnews.org reddit.com.
• Airports and Aircraft: It is strictly forbidden to fly within 9 kilometers (5 miles) of any airport or temporary airfield without prior authorization tatnews.org droneandslr.com. Also, you must not fly your drone in a way that could interfere with manned aircraft – give way to all airplanes and helicopters reddit.com droneandslr.com.
• Restricted Locations: Do not fly over or near sensitive areas such as government buildings, police stations, military bases or installations, hospitals, or other critical infrastructure unless you have official permission tatnews.org drone-traveller.com. Overflying prisons, power plants, and other high-security zones is similarly prohibited.
• Privacy and Nuisance: Pilots must respect the privacy of others. Do not fly in a manner that violates others’ privacy rights (e.g. spying on private property) reddit.com, and avoid creating nuisances or hazards. Flying in a reckless way that endangers life or property is unlawful tatnews.org.
• Takeoff/Landing Safety: Always launch and land your drone in an area that is open and safe. The immediate area for takeoff and landing must be unobstructed and clear of people to avoid accidents tatnews.org. You should also have an emergency plan – for instance, Thailand’s regulations even suggest having a fire extinguisher on hand during drone operations as a precaution drone-traveller.com.
• No Hazardous Payloads: Attaching or transporting dangerous items is forbidden. You must not carry or drop any hazardous materials from the drone (such as weapons, fireworks, or lasers) tatnews.org. This includes activities like dropping objects that could harm people.
• Incident Reporting: If your drone is involved in any incident or accident that causes injury, damage, or other safety issues, you are required to report it immediately to CAAT (via their hotline or email) tatnews.org. In practice, this means any crash that hurts someone or significant property damage should be reported.

By following the above rules, recreational pilots can generally operate without issues. For any operation that deviates from these rules (for example, a night flight, a flight above 90m, or in a restricted zone), special written permission from CAAT is required in advance tatnews.org. In such cases, you would typically email CAAT with details of the planned flight to seek authorization.

No-Fly Zones and Restricted Areas

Thailand designates many areas as no-fly zones for drones, either for security, privacy, or safety reasons. Drone pilots must familiarize themselves with these prohibited or restricted areas and avoid them (unless they have obtained explicit permission in writing from authorities). Key no-fly zones include:

• Airports and Flight Paths: As noted, a 9 km radius around airports is a no-fly zone without permission tatnews.org. This applies to all international and domestic airports, as well as temporary airfields or heliports. Always check for nearby airports; flying a drone anywhere in Bangkok, for example, means dealing with Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airport airspace restrictions.
• Royal Palaces and Residences: Royal properties are strictly off-limits to drones. The Thai royal palaces, such as the Grand Palace in Bangkok, and any royal residences or grounds, are designated no-drone zones reddit.com. Flying a drone near or over these sites without a special permit will likely result in immediate intervention by authorities.
• Temples and Religious Sites: It is strongly advised not to fly over Buddhist temples, pagodas, churches, mosques, or other sacred sites. Many temples explicitly prohibit drone flights out of respect and security. Legally, temples and historical sites often fall under “areas where people gather” or national heritage rules – for example, flying over Ayutthaya Historical Park requires special approval and even a fee drone-traveller.com. Always assume temples are no-fly areas unless you have clear permission from the site management and CAAT.
• Government Buildings & Military Areas: Government offices, police stations, military bases, and critical infrastructure are no-fly zones. CAAT explicitly bans flights “near government buildings, hospitals, [and] military zones” without prior authorization tatnews.org. Flying a drone around Parliament, army facilities, or even near embassies can lead to serious trouble – these areas are sensitive and often monitored.
• Urban Downtown Areas: Cities and congested areas have heavy restrictions. Flying over cities, towns, or villages is generally not allowed reddit.com, especially in the capital. In fact, most of central Bangkok is considered a restricted airspace due to dense population and multiple sensitive sites. Unless you have specific permission (and usually a good reason), you should avoid flying drones in downtown Bangkok or above busy urban areas. Some pilots have used apps (like CAAT’s “OpenSky” system) to request approval for specific flights in Bangkok, but this requires coordination and permissions that casual users typically won’t have drone-traveller.com drone-traveller.com.
• National Parks and Wildlife Areas: Thailand’s national parks (e.g. Khao Yai, Doi Inthanon, marine parks, etc.) prohibit drone flights without authorization from park authorities drone-traveller.com. Park rangers are increasingly vigilant about this rule. To fly inside a national park, one must request a permit from the park administration in advance drone-traveller.com. Without a permit, assume national parks are off-limits to drones. This is to avoid disturbance to wildlife and other visitors.
• Other Restricted Zones: Additional restricted zones are listed in the official Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) for Thailand tatnews.org and on CAAT’s website maps droneandslr.com. These can include certain border areas or temporary restrictions for events. It’s wise to consult CAAT’s published no-fly zone maps before flying (CAAT provides an updated list of designated no-fly locations) droneandslr.com. Also, note that private property rules apply – you should have the landowner’s permission to take off from or fly over private property drone-traveller.com. For example, some resorts and hotels explicitly ban guests from using drones on their premises droneandslr.com, so always check local rules.

Bottom line: Do your homework on your intended flight location. If it’s anywhere near an airport, a royal site, a government facility, a crowded city area, or a national park, chances are you’ll need special permission or you should choose another location. Ignoring no-fly zone rules can result in immediate law enforcement action, confiscation of your drone, and legal penalties.

Insurance and Liability Coverage Requirements

Thailand mandates that all drone operators have third-party liability insurance for their drone. This is not optional – it is a legal requirement to obtain your CAAT registration and license. The insurance policy must provide coverage of at least ฿1,000,000 (one million Thai baht) for potential damages or injuries caused by your drone tatnews.org. In practice, this insurance covers you in case your drone crashes and causes property damage or hurts someone on the ground.

Key points about drone insurance:

• Minimum Coverage: The policy must have a minimum coverage of 1 million THB (approximately USD $30,000) for liability tatnews.org drone-traveller.com. Higher coverage limits are available and some operators opt for more, but 1,000,000 THB is the required minimum.
• Proof Required for Registration: You need to show proof of this insurance when registering with CAAT tatnews.org. Typically, you will upload a certificate or letter from the insurer that clearly states your name, the drone’s details (make, model, serial number), the coverage amount, and that the policy is in effect during your stay in Thailand drone-traveller.com. If you arrange insurance in your home country, make sure the documentation is in English (or Thai) and explicitly covers drone liability in Thailand.
• Continuous Coverage: Once you have your drone registered, you must maintain continuous insurance coverage to remain in compliance. If your insurance lapses or expires, your CAAT drone registration can become invalid thailanddroneinsurance.com. Essentially, the drone’s registration is only “live” as long as an active insurance policy is tied to it. (CAAT does not require renewing the drone registration itself annually, but they do expect you to renew your insurance policy each year or as needed. Many operators set reminders to renew insurance so their registration doesn’t get canceled thailanddroneinsurance.com.)
• Where to Get It: Drone liability insurance can be obtained from Thai insurance companies or sometimes from international providers that cover drone operations. Some local providers offer tourist-friendly drone insurance packages (often around ฿1,000–฿2,000 for short-term coverage) reddit.com. Brokers and services exist that bundle insurance with help in registration as well feic.co.th feic.co.th. Make sure whatever policy you buy meets the Thai requirements.

In summary, having valid drone insurance is just as important as the registrations – it’s required by law and also very sensible. Always carry a copy of your insurance certificate when flying. If authorities ask, you should be able to prove your drone is insured. Operating an uninsured drone is illegal and leaves you personally liable for any damage, so don’t skip this step.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Thai authorities enforce drone laws with significant penalties. Flying a drone without following the rules (registration, licensing, or operational restrictions) can lead to severe consequences:

• Failure to Register with CAAT: If you operate a drone that requires CAAT registration or fly without the required CAAT pilot license, you are committing an offense. The penalty for flying an unregistered/unlicensed drone under CAAT rules is up to 1 year of imprisonment or a fine up to 40,000 THB, or both feic.co.th dji.com. In other words, neglecting the CAAT registration can potentially land you in jail for a year and cost you a hefty fine.
• Failure to Register with NBTC: If you do not register your drone with the NBTC (or let the NBTC radio license expire) and you are caught operating it, the penalties are even harsher under communications law. Flying without NBTC registration can incur up to 5 years imprisonment or a 100,000 THB fine, or both feic.co.th. This reflects how seriously Thailand treats unregistered transmitters and potential interference with radio spectra.
• Other Violations: Flying in prohibited areas, endangering people, or causing disturbances can lead to additional charges under various laws (aviation law, criminal law, etc.). For example, violating no-fly zones or breaching people’s privacy might result in fines and other legal action. Police and authorities have the power to confiscate your drone equipment if you break the rules tatnews.org. It’s reported that in serious cases (or repeat offenses), equipment has been seized and offenders prosecuted. At the very least, you could face on-the-spot fines or demands to land your drone immediately if found in violation.

Enforcement reality: While enforcement in some areas can be sporadic, do not rely on lax enforcement as an excuse. Thai law enforcement (including local police or tourism police) can and will enforce these laws, especially if a drone draws attention by flying in a sensitive location. There have been instances of tourists being detained for flying drones where they shouldn’t. It’s also worth noting that many “boys in brown” (Thai police) may see an opportunity to issue a fine if you are blatantly disregarding regulations mavicpilots.com reddit.com. To stay safe, ensure you have all required paperwork and fly responsibly. If approached by authorities, remain polite and cooperative – often showing your registration papers and insurance (and explaining your flight plan) will demonstrate that you are trying to be compliant.

Recreational vs. Commercial Drone Use

Does Thailand differentiate between recreational (hobby) drone flying and commercial drone operations? In terms of the basic legal requirements, not much – both recreational and commercial drone pilots must register their drones with NBTC and CAAT, carry insurance, and follow the same safety rules drone-traveller.com feic.co.th. There isn’t a separate “commercial drone license” beyond the standard CAAT operator certificate that everyone must obtain. However, commercial use often involves additional steps and stricter oversight:

• Additional Flight Permissions: If you intend to use a drone for commercial purposes (e.g. filming for a company, real estate photography, agricultural surveying, deliveries, etc.), you may need to obtain specific permission for each operation or flight. Thai regulations indicate that commercial drone pilots must get permission for their flight maneuvers beyond the basic registrations drone-traveller.com. In practice, this could mean coordinating with CAAT for a special flight permit or using systems like the CAAT OpenSky platform to request flight authorization for certain areas (particularly in controlled airspace or cities). For instance, a commercial drone shoot in downtown Bangkok would require the operator to secure written permission from the property owner for takeoff/landing and then apply through CAAT’s system for clearance for that flight drone-traveller.com drone-traveller.com.
• Purpose of Use Declaration: When registering with CAAT, you may need to declare if the drone is for hobby use or commercial (thereby subjecting you to any extra requirements). Commercial operators might also be expected to keep logs of flights and have operational procedures in place, similar to an enterprise.
• No Exemptions from Rules: Commercial drones are not allowed any leeway in breaking the standard rules. For example, a commercial operator is equally bound by the 90m altitude limit and no-fly zones, unless they have gone through official channels to get a specific waiver for a project. Recreational pilots do not need to file flight plans or seek per-mission approval as long as they fly strictly within the normal rules and only for personal enjoyment. The moment you plan to do something like film a commercial video or map an area for business, you should assume authorities expect you to have explicit permission in hand.
• Enforcement and Liability: Commercial operators could be held to a higher standard if something goes wrong. For example, flying a drone commercially without proper authorization might attract more severe penalties (since you are profiting from using Thai airspace unlawfully). Additionally, commercial users should ensure their insurance policy covers commercial activity (some basic drone insurance is for recreational use only, so check the terms).

In summary, for tourists and casual flyers (recreational use): go through the normal registration process and follow all the rules – no additional permits per flight are needed if you stay within the guidelines. For commercial use: plan ahead for each operation – you may need to coordinate with CAAT or local authorities for permission, especially in sensitive locations. It’s wise for commercial drone businesses to consult with CAAT directly or hire a local agent to handle permits, since Thailand is actively developing its framework to accommodate the growing commercial drone sector.

Recent Updates and Changes (2024–2025)

Thailand’s drone regulations have evolved in 2024–2025 with new systems and rules. Here are the most important recent updates that drone operators should be aware of:

• New CAAT Online System & Exam (2025): Starting January 2025, CAAT implemented a more rigorous registration system, including the mandatory online exam for drone pilots and a requirement to obtain a two-year Drone Operator License feic.co.th thailanddroneinsurance.com. This is a change from earlier years when hobbyists could register without a test – now all operators must pass the theory exam to fly legally. The process has become more detailed to ensure pilots understand Thai drone laws.
• UAS Portal Replacing Old System: Effective June 30, 2025, CAAT is shutting down its legacy drone registration website (uav.caat.or.th) and moving entirely to the new UAS Portal (uasportal.caat.or.th) tatnews.org tatnews.org. Operators who registered under the old system were advised to save their documents before the old site went offline tatnews.org. Going forward, all drone and pilot registrations must be done via the new CAAT UAS Portal tatnews.org, which streamlines licensing and integrates the exam process. If you registered your drone prior to 2025, be prepared to create a new account on the UAS Portal and re-upload your info when renewing licenses, as the old data might not carry over.
• Allowance for >25 kg Drones (Sept 2024): In response to industrial and commercial demand, CAAT amended its rules in September 2024 to allow operation of drones heavier than 25 kg thailand.locality.guide. Previously, drones above 25 kg were essentially banned for civilian use. Now they are permitted with CAAT registration and Transport Ministry approval. This change has opened the door for large agricultural drones and delivery drones in Thailand thailand.locality.guide. If you operate heavy-lift drones, ensure you follow the special approval process.
• Deadline for Drone Pilot Certification: The authorities are pushing all existing drone flyers to comply with new licensing. Under updated regulations, all drone operators in Thailand must obtain a drone aviation certificate (pilot license) by September 1, 2025 thailand.locality.guide. This implies that even those who had registered drones earlier must take the new CAAT exam and get certified by that date. The goal is to ensure everyone in the sky from that point on has demonstrated knowledge of the rules.
• Ongoing Legal Revisions: Thailand is in the process of overhauling its drone laws to keep up with technology. The Air Navigation Act is being amended (as directed by the Ministry of Transport) to include a comprehensive framework for UAVs thailand.locality.guide. At least 30 new measures related to drones are being drafted, aiming to align with ICAO (international aviation) standards thailand.locality.guide. These may include new categories of drone operations, improved safety standards, and perhaps more streamlined permission systems for commercial flights. The timeline for these changes is by the end of 2025 thailand.locality.guide. Drone users should stay tuned for updates – checking CAAT’s website regularly is recommended droneandslr.com.
• Drone Delivery Trials: As an aside, Thailand has begun experimenting with drone delivery services. In June 2025, a pilot project for drone delivery in Bangkok (across the Chao Phraya River) was launched thailand.locality.guide. This indicates the government’s interest in embracing drones commercially. While this doesn’t directly change the rules for hobbyists, it shows that regulations are trending toward accommodating new drone uses (with proper oversight).

Conclusion: Thailand in 2025 has a well-defined set of drone laws that apply to both visiting enthusiasts and local operators. The headline requirements are: register your drone with NBTC and CAAT, get insured, pass the CAAT pilot exam, and fly responsibly within the rules (under 90m, away from people, outside no-fly zones). The country has stiff penalties for those who ignore the law, but if you follow the steps and respect the restrictions, you can enjoy spectacular aerial photography in Thailand’s beautiful landscapes. Always double-check the latest guidelines (via CAAT and NBTC websites) before you fly droneandslr.com – regulations continue to be refined as technology and policies evolve. By staying informed and compliant, you’ll ensure a safe and legal drone flying experience in the Kingdom of Thailand.

Sources:

• Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) & Tourism Authority of Thailand – Official drone registration and rules guide tatnews.org tatnews.org tatnews.org
• National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) – Drone radio license requirements feic.co.th feic.co.th
• Thailand Drone Regulations Summary (2024–2025) – Drone enthusiast guides and news reddit.com drone-traveller.com thailand.locality.guide
• Thailand “AnyRegis” and UAS Portal Documentation – Procedures for NBTC/CAAT online registration drone-traveller.com feic.co.th
• (Please see the inline citations in the report for detailed source references.)