The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has announced that drone operations will be continue to be permitted nationwide from 1-15 September 2025, under strict safety and registration requirements, while designated no-fly zones remain in place.
The new directive, issued as CAAT Announcement No. 5, follows an easing of tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border and replaces the previous order that expired on 31 August. Under the revised rules, individuals and businesses may operate drones for all purposes, but must still register both the drone and operator, submit flight details at least three days in advance through CAAT’s UAS Portal app, and notify the police at [email protected].
Areas Removed From The No-Fly List
Drone operations are now allowed in Chantaburi and Trat provinces, which includes the popular island of Koh Chang.
No-Fly Zones Remain Strict
Flights remain strictly prohibited in sensitive areas, including:
- Five border provinces under martial law or military oversight: Sa Kaeo, Buri Ram, Si Sa Ket, Surin, and Ubon Ratchathani.
- Specific districts: Sattahip (Chonburi), Mueang Rayong (Rayong), Phayuha Khiri (Nakhon Sawan), and Mueang Ratchaburi (Ratchaburi).
- Airports: Within nine kilometres of all airports, with new restrictions added for Khok Kathiam Airport (Lopburi) and Prachuap Airport.
- Additional security-designated areas as declared by relevant authorities.
Drone Flight Conditions
There are no changes in flight conditions or registration requirements except that if you would like to fly between 18:01-00:00 or 04:01-06:00 you must get separate authorisation directly from CAAT. Flights are still strictly prohibited between 00:01-04:00 under all circumstances.
Note that flying at night was always prohibited, but since 15th August 2025 the hours are more strictly defined as 06:00-18:00.
All normal guidelines and requirements should also still be observed. You can read the General rules for operating Drone in Thailand at: https://www.feic.co.th/aviation-insurance/drone-insurance/
The current order remains in force until 15 September 2025, or until further notice.
The official announcement is available in Thai language on the CAAT website at: https://www.caat.or.th/th/archives/103513
