Drone Registration in Thailand

Drone use in Thailand is subject to strict regulations. Registration is mandatory for all drones, regardless of their weight or whether they have a camera. Violating these rules can result in large fines and even imprisonment.

Drone registration is not just a formality, but a necessity to comply with local laws. Without registration, drone use is considered illegal, and tourists who do not go through this process may face serious problems.

If the drone is not registered or is used in prohibited areas, the owner faces a fine or imprisonment.

💡 Important: If a tourist violates the rules and does not register a drone, he may be blacklisted and banned from entering Thailand.

All drones must be registered, regardless of weight and functions. Toy drones may be an exception, but it is better to check this with the NBTC.

Mandatory requirements for drones in Thailand

A drone owner must comply with a number of requirements, including registration, insurance, and flight regulations.

In what cases is registration mandatory?

1. If the drone is equipped with a camera, any device with the ability to record video must be registered.
2. If the drone weighs more than 2 kg, permission from CAAT is required.
3. If the drone weighs more than 25 kg, permission from the Ministry of Transport of Thailand is required.

Allowed and prohibited models

Some drone models may be restricted in use or banned entirely.

💡 Tip: Before your trip, check if your drone model supports CAAT and NBTC requirements.

Every registered drone must have insurance that covers damages of at least 1,000,000 baht. Without insurance, it is illegal to use a drone.

Insurance can be purchased:

●       Via CAAT upon registration.

●       In private insurance companies in Thailand.

What organizations are involved in drone registration?

1. NBTC – National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission. Responsible for the drone’s frequency range. Registration takes up to 30 days.
2. CAAT – Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand. Responsible for flight permits. Registration takes up to 15 working days.

💡 Important: It is prohibited to use a drone without approval from both organizations.

What documents are needed for registration?

Before submitting an application, you need to collect all documents and make copies. For successful registration:

●       Please ensure that your passport and visa are valid for the entire duration of your stay.

●       Prepare an insurance policy with coverage of at least 1,000,000 baht.

●       Fill out the application in English (Thai authorities do not accept documents in Russian).

●       Please check that the serial numbers in the photo match the ones in the application.

Do I need to register my drone with both authorities?

Yes, registration is required with both NBTC and CAAT. NBTC is responsible for communications and CAAT is responsible for flight safety.

Step-by-step instructions for registering a drone

Registration with NBTC

1. Collect all documents (passport, photo of the drone, insurance).
2. Fill out the form on the NBTC website or at the office.
3. Apply at the NBTC office (in Bangkok or through representative offices in major cities).
4. Wait for approval (up to 30 days).

Registration with CAAT

1. Register on the CAAT website (possibly online).
2. Upload all documents into the system.
3. Pay the registration fee.
4. Wait for approval (up to 15 business days).

The entire process takes from 15 to 45 days, so start registering early!

How much does it cost to register a drone?

Registering a drone in Thailand involves several steps, each of which comes with certain costs.

●       Registration at NBTC – 214 baht.

●       Registration with CAAT is usually free, but there may be administrative fees.

Where can I pay for drone registration?

●       NBTC – payment is made at NBTC offices upon submission of documents.

●       CAAT – when registering online, payment can be made via bank transfer.

What additional costs are possible?

●       Insurance – minimum 1,000,000 baht coverage, cost from 1,700 baht.

●       CAAT pilot license - about 2,500 baht.

💡 The total minimum cost to register a drone in Thailand is around 4,414 baht.

Where can you fly a drone in Thailand?

When using drones in Thailand, it is important to be aware of permitted and prohibited areas.

Minimum and maximum flight altitude

●       Maximum height – 90 meters.

●       Minimum altitude – no restrictions, but flights that pose a danger to people and property are prohibited.

What are the penalties for violating airspace?

Failure to comply with drone regulations in Thailand can result in serious fines and other penalties.

What laws regulate the use of drones in Thailand?

The use of drones is governed by several key laws and regulations:

●       Radiocommunication Act BE 2498 (1955) https://www.nbtc.go.th/

●       Aviation Act BE 2558 (2015) https://www.caat.or.th/

●       Privacy Act BE 2562 (2019)

💡 Important! Not only unregistered flights are a violation of these laws, but also illegal photography and video shooting without permission.

Can a tourist be banned from entering Thailand for violations?

Yes, if the violation is considered serious (such as flying in a restricted area), the tourist may be deported and blacklisted by the immigration service. This means a ban on future entry to Thailand.

Factors influencing entry ban:

●       Using a drone near military installations.

●       Unauthorized filming of government buildings.

●       Flights over royal residences.

💡 Advice: If you are detained by the police, it is better not to argue, but to show the registration documents for the drone.

Tips for Safe Drone Use in Thailand

How to avoid problems when shooting?

●       Always carry your drone documents with you.

●       Avoid flying over crowds of people as this increases the risk of an accident.

●       Check if flying in the area is permitted before takeoff.

What to do if the drone loses connection or crashes?

●       Use the Return to Home (RTH) function.

●       If the drone crashes on private property, try to negotiate with the owner to return it.

●       If your drone crashes in a restricted area, contact your local authorities for assistance.

What apps can help you control restricted areas?

●       DJI FlySafe – Provides data on no-fly zones.

●       AirMap – up-to-date airspace maps.

●       Hover – analysis of weather conditions and safe zones for flights.

Conclusion

Drone registration in Thailand is a mandatory process that will help you avoid large fines and legal problems.

📌 Key recommendations:
✔ Register your drone with NBTC and CAAT before your first flight.
✔ Get insurance with coverage of at least 1,000,000 baht.
✔ Avoid flying in restricted areas (airports, government buildings, private property).
✔ Observe the altitude limit (90 m) and keep the drone in sight.

By following these rules, you can enjoy flying and filming without worrying about possible fines or problems with immigration. 🚀