Important Notice for Agricultural Drones in Thailand
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has relaxed restrictions on agricultural drone use. Agricultural drones can now operate under the following strict conditions:
- Pre-flight authorisation is required. You must submit your planned flight area and flight details at least 12 hours in advance via the CAAT UAS Portal app, by email, or via local authorities.
- Drone height is restricted to 30 metres
- The usage is ONLY for spraying agricultural chemicals, water or fertiliser. No permission for photography or surveying.
- All normal guidelines must also be observed including registration of the drone and operator with CAAT, daytime flights only between 6am-6pm, and drone insurance are required.
About the “UAS Portal” mobile application:
- You can download this on iOS and Android from your app store.
- Log in with your CAAT credentials (that you used for registering your drone on the CAAT portal website)
- Select the flight area on the map, select a date range, select your registered drone and submit your flight plan details. Your request will then be approved by CAAT.
- Once your flight plan is approved, you can press the “start flight” and “end flight” buttons in the app when you perform your actual flight.
- You may request long-duration flight permits, e.g., for a single area over a one-month period. But you must avoid restricted zones.
We have more information about downloading and using the UAS Portal application here: https://www.feic.co.th/thailand-drone-news/about-the-caat-uas-portal-mobile-application/
This restriction is effective from 11 August 2025.
You can read further details at: https://www.thailand.go.th/issue-focus-detail/caat-issues-rules-for-agricultural-drone-use
For special permission or any questions you can contact CAAT directly at:
Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT)
For drone and pilot registration and flight regulation compliance
Address: 222 Vibhavadi Rangsit Soi 28, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
Phone: +66 2 568 8851
Email: [email protected]
For special operations: [email protected]
Website: www.caat.or.th
Drone Registration Portal: https://uasportal.caat.or.th
We will keep you informed with further updates.
