It's tempting to travel with a drone to capture Thailand's natural treasures on film. But before diving in and taking risks, it's crucial to understand the regulations. Drones are classified as aircraft and cannot fly freely. Here's everything you need to know about using a drone in Thailand:.

Do you need to register your drone with the Thai authorities?

Yes, you do! Before traveling to Thailand with a drone, the first thing to know is that you must register it with the relevant Thai authorities:

Registration with the NBTC and CAAT

Thai law requires all drones equipped with cameras to be registered with two designated authorities before they are allowed to fly within the country:

• National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC)
• The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT)

Flying a drone in Thailand without authorization from the NBTC and CAAT is illegal.

Steps to register a drone in Thailand

Registration with the NBTC

To register with the NBTC, you have two options:

• Online registration on the official NBTC website
• In-person registration at their headquarters in Bangkok or at regional offices in Thailand (Chiang Mai, Chumphon, Hat Yai, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Phuket).

Registration with CAAT

You can only register with the CAAT after obtaining approval from the NBTC. Registration with the CAAT can be done online for free on their official website.

Good news: If your registration is successful, it is valid for two years.

Important to know:
Since obtaining approvals from the NBTC and CAAT may take some time, it's advisable to start the process well in advance, at least a month before your departure date.

Documents required for registration

For registering a drone with NBTC and CAAT, you will need several documents:

• A signed copy of your passport
• A photo of the drone
• Drone's serial number
• A proof of residence in Thailand
• Two copies of the completed registration form
• A copy of civil liability insurance

What rules must be followed to fly a drone in Thailand?

In addition to registering your drone with NBTC and CAAT, several rules must be followed to operate a drone in Thailand.

Documents to have

You must always carry the drone registration documents issued by NBTC and CAAT and also provide liability insurance. This insurance is mandatory and must cover a minimum of 1 million Baht. The civil liability insurance policy must be fully written in English and include your name and the drone's serial number.

Rules to follow

Once you have obtained the necessary approvals, you must comply with the following rules when using a drone in Thailand:

• Drone pilots must be at least 18 years old.
• Drones are only allowed to fly in regulated areas (see article continuation).
• Drones must not fly within 30 meters (98 feet) of any person, vehicle, building, or structure.
• Drones cannot fly above 90 meters (295 feet).
• Drones must maintain a certain distance from manned aircraft.
• Airports must be kept at a distance of 9 kilometers (5 miles).
• Drones must not fly over cities and villages.
• Drones must not fly near crowds.
• Drones must stay away from government buildings and hospitals.
• Drones can only fly during daylight hours, between sunrise and sunset.
• Pilots must always maintain a visual line of sight with their drones.

Restricted and prohibited areas for drones

Drones cannot fly freely throughout Thailand. There are:

• Prohibited zones: airports and airfields, military zones and national security zones, government offices, public buildings, and hospitals.
• Restricted zones: national parks, historical and cultural sites, private property, densely populated areas.

Drones cannot fly in these areas without authorization.

What are the penalties for not following the rules?

Violating drone regulations in Thailand can result in heavy penalties.

People using drones without the necessary authorizations or not adhering to the rules may face fines ranging from 40,000 to 100,000 Baht and may also face imprisonment ranging from 1 to 5 years.

Therefore, it's highly recommended that you familiarize yourself with all the rules for using a drone in Thailand.

Note:
All rules are provided as guidelines and are subject to change. It's advisable to stay informed and check the latest regulations on the NBTC and CAAT websites. You can also contact the embassy for any further questions.

Florine Dergelet