The Thailand agency responsible for drone safety, CAAT, has provided several details on flying for fun or work. The highlights are enumerated below. For more details, go to the link above.
Are drones allowed in Thailand?
According to CAAT, drones are allowed in Thailand, subject to CAAT regulations. Read on for details.
Here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Thailand:
All drones equipped with cameras must be registered.
All drones weighing more than 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds) must be registered.
Register at the CAAT online drone Thailand registration Portal.
Drones that exceed 25 kilograms (55 pounds) must be registered with the Ministry of Transport.
At all times, drone pilots must maintain a visual line of sight with their drones.
Drones must not be flown within a certain distance of manned aircraft.
Drones must not be flown within 30 meters (98 feet) of any person, vehicle, construction, or building.
Without authorization, drones must not be flown in restricted areas.
Except with special authorization, drones may not be flown within 9 kilometers (5 miles) of an airport or temporary airfield.
Drones may not be flown above 90 meters (295 feet).
Airports must be kept at a distance of 9 kilometers (= 5 miles).
You must avoid flying near crowds. It is prohibited to fly over cities and villages. Additionally, stay away from government buildings and hospitals.
To take off and land, you must always obtain permission from the property owner. In practice, we usually resolve this by requesting permission from the guards or the information desk.
Always keep your drone within a visual line of sight.
Drone flights are permitted in Thailand only during daylight hours, i.e., between sunrise and sunset.
Additionally, Thai law requires that you have an emergency plan. This includes the requirement to carry a fire extinguisher.
Where to register?
Must register at two agencies: CAAT and NBTC(The National Broadcasting Telecommunications Commission)
NBTC is for registering the frequency used by drones.CAAT is for registering the persons who control and are in charge of the drone.
Registering with NBTC alone is not enough to fly a drone.To enable you to fly your drone, you must register with an equivalent to a drone pilot’s license.
What documents CAAT require for drone registration
Type of Drone that must register
A drone with camera/ recording equipment must be registered.
A drone over 2 kilograms must be registered.(If there is no camera/ recording equipment and the drone is not over 2 kilograms, there is no need to be registered)
Drone over 25 Kilograms must have permission from the Minister of Transport.