Thailand Drone Insurance

Legalities of flying your drone in Thailand

According to Thailand’s national aviation authority, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), flying a drone is legal in Thailand, but we recommend being aware of and compliant with the drone regulations listed below before doing so.

General rules for operating Drone in Thailand

Based on our research and interpretation of the laws, here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Thailand.

• All drones must be registered and insured if they:
  1) Have a camera (regardless of weight), OR
  2) Weigh 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds) or more.
• Drones weighing more than 25 kilograms (55 pounds) must be registered with the Minister of Transport.
• Drone pilot must be older than 18 years of age unless under control of the legal representative (Drone weight under 2 kg) or 20 years of age for drone weight between 2 kg and 25 kg
• Drone pilot must maintain a visual line of sight with their drone at all times.
• Drones must not be flown close to manned aircraft
• Drones must be flown between sunrise and sunset only when the drone must be clearly seen.
• Drones must not be flown close to any person, vehicle, construction, or buildings at distance less than 30 meters (100 feet) horizontally for drone with weight not over 2 kg and at distance less than 50 meters (150 feet) for drone with weight over 2 kg but not exceeding 25 kg
• Drones must not be flown in restricted areas without authorisation.
• Drones must not be flown within 9 kilometres (5 miles) from an airport or temporary airfield except with special authorisation.
• Drones must not be flown higher than 90 meters (295 feet).

If you’d like to contact CAAT directly, before you fly your drone, with any questions you might have, here is their contact information: email: [email protected] / or call on +66 (0) 2568-8800.

This information may get updated from time to time and we strongly recommend that you review the website for the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) and their FAQ about Thailand drone registration.

In the event of any accidents involving your drone, you must immediately notify the accident/incident to CAAT, working hours 02 538 8800 # 1504, Fax 02 568 8848 outside working hours 081 839 2068 or email [email protected]

NBTC Thailand Drone Registration

If you aren’t using our Thailand drone registration service then you can register your drone with NBTC yourself online at: https://anyregis.nbtc.go.th/sign_up/foreigner/

Previously registration had to be done in person at one of the NBTC offices and you may see outdated information stating this requirement, but since 2021 this is no longer the case. You can still visit an NBTC office to register if you prefer, no appointment is needed and it may only take 10-15 minutes.

The approval granted is valid for the same duration as your visa, and for Thai citizens the approval is valid up to 90 days.

Documents required for drone registration with NBTC

1. Completed UAV’s Radio Equipment Registration and Owner’s Declaration of Conformity (ODoC) Form
2. Signed copy of identity card or signed copy of your passport and entry stamp for tourist
3. A copy of registered address or proof of address in Thailand (e.g. booking confirmation from the hotel for tourist)
4. Photos of the drone showing Model, trademark (brand), serial number, controller, quantity, and the performance of the Drone including devices installed.

Fine for unregistered Drone with the NBTC is 100,000 baht or five years in prison or both.

You must register with NBTC within 30 days of entering Thailand or purchasing a drone in Thailand even if you do not fly it.

The regulations apply to all drones fitted with cameras including hobby use. If the drone is used for commercial, please review further regulations required from the CAAT.

View the UAV’S RADIO EQUIPMENT REGISTRATION form and more information on the NBTC website: https://www.nbtc.go.th/Business/commu/radio/licensing/แบบฟอร์มคำขอ/47519.aspx

You can find out more about NBTC registration on our page about NBTC Thailand Drone Registration.

CAAT Thailand Drone Registration

All kinds of drone with camera must be registered with CAAT, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand.

If you aren’t using our Thailand drone registration service then you can do your CAAT registration by yourself online at: https://uav.caat.or.th/

You will first need to get your drone insurance policy and the below documents ready before registering with CAAT. You can get your drone insurance policy online through us, just view our drone insurance plans to get started.

Documents required for drone registration with CAAT:

1. A completed and certified self Declaration form
2. Signed copy of identity card or signed copy of your passport and entry stamp for tourist
3. A copy of registered address or proof of address in Thailand (e.g. booking confirmation from the hotel for tourist)
4. Photos of the drone showing Model, trademark (brand), serial number, controller, quantity, and the performance of the Drone including devices installed.
5. A copy of the Drone Insurance Policy, which covers damages caused to the body, life and properties of the third parties, and also the minimum sum insured is not less than one million baht per time
6. Purpose of using the Drone
7. Area specified and geographical position to fly
8. Contact information of the applicant

The result of the application will be announced within 15 working days (provided that all documents are received). Since the CAAT application can take some time so it is best to get your drone insurance policy and apply to CAAT around one or two months before you arrive in Thailand. Also note that if your application is rejected for any reason (e.g. your name not matching your passport/ID) then you will have to apply again so please make sure all your submitted details are correct.

Copy of Drone Insurance, Drone registration issued from NBTC and CAAT must be carried with you at all time while flying your drone.

The penalty according to CAAT’s regulation is imprisonment is a maximum of one year and fine of no more than 40,000 Baht, or both.

For more information see the conditions on the CAAT website: https://uav.caat.or.th/condition.php

You can find out more about CAAT registration on our page about CAAT Thailand Drone Registration.