Thailand’s Civil Aviation Authority partially lifts drone ban from 16-31 August 2025 under strict conditions, including area restrictions, advance notification, altitude limits, and mandatory registration for legal compliance.
Drone Operations Temporarily Permitted in Thailand
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has temporarily lifted the drone ban from 16 to 31 August 2025, allowing operations under strict conditions. This decision follows restrictions due to security concerns at the Thai-Cambodian border. Drones are prohibited in martial law zones and areas near military operations, including specific border provinces and within a 9-kilometer radius of airports. Operators must check approved areas using the UAS Portal and notify authorities three days before flying.
Essential Drone Compliance Guidelines
Drone flights are limited to the hours of 06:00 to 18:00, with a maximum altitude of 90 meters unless specially authorized. All agricultural drones must be registered through the UAS Portal. Government agencies can operate within their legal capacities but must report planned flights in restricted zones. Violations should be promptly reported to CAAT or local authorities. Operators must adhere to these rules to support national security measures.
Registration and Safety Regulations
All drones in Thailand must be registered with both the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) and CAAT. Compliance with national aviation regulations is mandatory to avoid penalties. Operators are encouraged to undertake CAAT’s online knowledge test for airspace rules and obtain appropriate insurance. From 30 June 2025, drone registrations will exclusively occur via the CAAT UAS Portal, ensuring up-to-date compliance with evolving regulations.
Source : Flying a Drone in Thailand – Updated Guide for Tourists
