A complete traveller-friendly guide to flying drones in Thailand in 2025-2026 – registration steps, no-fly zones, insurance rules, penalties, and practical tips for safe and legal flights.
Thailand is a paradise for aerial photography: turquoise water, jungle, golden temples, night markets, and beaches that look unreal from above.
But beautiful shots come with responsibility – and Thailand has very strict laws for drone pilots. One careless flight can easily turn into a hefty fine, confiscated drone, or even criminal liability.
Here’s a clear, friendly, non-nonsense guide for travelers who want to fly safely and legally.
❌ Where You Cannot Fly a Drone in Thailand
In December 2025, CAAT (Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand) introduced updated restrictions because of increased border tensions with Cambodia. Several regions have become official no-fly zones.
Full flight ban in 7 provinces:
- Chanthaburi
- Trat
- Sa Kaeo
- Buri Ram
- Si Sa Ket
- Surin
- Ubon Ratchathani
Additional district-level restricted areas:
- Sattahip District (Chon Buri)
- Ban Chang District (Rayong)
Around airports
No flying within 9 km (5 NM) of any airport or airstrip.
Government and sensitive locations
As always, drones are not allowed near:
- military facilities
- police stations
- government offices
- hospitals
- large gatherings or crowded spaces
Breaking the rules in a restricted zone isn’t treated as “just a mistake.”
It falls under national security law, and authorities take it very seriously.
⏰ When Drone Flights Are Allowed
✔ Daylight only
✔ Between 06:00 and 18:00
✔ Maximum altitude: 90 meters (300 ft)
✔ Drone must stay within visual line of sight
Evening flights (18:01–24:00) require prior approval via CAAT.
Flights between 00:01 and 04:00 are fully prohibited.
So no “night vibes over Patong Beach” unless you want a conversation with the police.
📝 Drone Registration Is Mandatory
To fly legally in Thailand, you must complete two separate registrations:
| Authority | Purpose | Who needs it |
| NBTC | Radio frequency & drone ownership | Everyone |
| CAAT | Drone + pilot registration | Anyone with a drone that has a camera or weighs over 2 kg |
Yes – even your lightweight DJI Mini still requires CAAT registration because it has a camera.
📌 Insurance Requirements
All drones must carry third-party liability insurance of at least 1,000,000 THB.
You can purchase it online before arrival or from Thai providers.
📲 Thai SIM Card Needed
You’ll need a local SIM card to receive verification codes during online registration.
🎓 Pilot Certificate
To operate legally, you must:
- complete the CAAT online knowledge test
- retake the test after 24 hours if you fail
- display your issued registration number on the drone
- renew your certificate every 2 years
Registration numbers must be clearly visible:
- 3 mm minimum for drones under 25 kg
- 25 mm for larger drones
📏 Safe Distances and Flight Safety Rules
| Drone weight | Minimum distance from people/buildings |
| under 2 kg | 30 meters |
| 2–25 kg | 50 meters |
Additionally:
- no flying in clouds
- no FPV-only flights (you must maintain visual line of sight)
- no hazardous items on board (yes, laser pointers count)
💥 Penalties: What Happens If You Break the Rules
Thailand’s drone laws are not just “formalities.” They are actively enforced.
🔻 Flying without registration
→ up to 100,000 THB fine + drone confiscation
🔻 No insurance
→ up to 40,000 THB fine
🔻 Flying near crowds, military, or airports
→ may result in criminal charges
Let’s be honest — no shot is worth losing your drone or your holiday mood.
🛫 Pre-Flight Checklist
Before you take off, make sure you have:
- NBTC registration
- CAAT drone & pilot registration
- Insurance (1M THB minimum)
- Thai SIM card
- Checked no-fly zones for your location
- Flying time fits within 06:00–18:00
- You’re at least 9 km away from airports
- Registration number on the drone
- Good weather and clear line of sight
Save this list — it will come in handy.
❓ FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a drone on the plane?
Yes, but always in carry-on. Batteries must never go into checked baggage.
Does a DJI Mini 3/4 require registration?
Yes — because of the camera.
How long does registration take?
Usually 1–3 days depending on queue.
How much is insurance?
Most policies cost 300–600 THB per month.
🔗 Useful Links
- NBTC Registration → https://anyregis.nbtc.go.th
- CAAT Registration → https://uasportal.caat.or.th
Bookmark these before your trip.
- Hotel Bookin — Booking.com
- Flight tickets — Aviasales
- Car rental — Local Rent
- Travel insurance — Hotline Finance
