No Products in the Cart
Img 1: Aerial Photography In Thailand
Drone use is allowed in Thailand, but there are several drone laws that need to be followed when flying in the country. To operate your drone legally in Thailand, there are 2 permits that you need to obtain.
1. UAV’s Radio Equipment Registration (The authority that provides this permit is Office of The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (Office of The NBTC). https://www.nbtc.go.th/Home.aspx
The contact of NBTC officer is 66-2-670-8888 ext. 7470, 7402.)
2. Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Registration (Provided by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand)
During flight
1. Must not fly in a way that may cause harm to the life, property and peace of others;
2. Must not fly into restricted area, limited area and dangerous area announced in Aeronautical Information Publication – Thailand or AIP-Thailand and also at government buildings and hospitals unless permission is given.;
3. Take-off and landing area must not be obstructed by anything;
4. Must keep the Unmanned Aircraft in line-of-sight at all times and not rely on the monitor or other devices;
5. Must only fly between sunrise and sunset when the Unmanned Aircraft can clearly be seen;
6. Must not fly in or near clouds;
7. Must not fly within 9 km (5 nautical miles) from airport or temporary airfield unless having permission from the airport or airfields operators;
8. Must not fly over 90 meters above the ground;
9. Must not fly over cities, villages, communities or areas where people are gathered;
10. Must not fly near other aircraft that have pilots;
11. Must not violate the privacy rights of others;
12. Must not cause a nuisance to others;
13. Must not deliver or carry dangerous items or lasers on the Unmanned Aircraft; and
14. Must not fly horizontally closer than 50 meters (150 feet) to people, vehicles, constructions or buildings
15. When there is an accident access, pilot or controller must contract officer immediately (During trading hour tel : 02-5688800 ext 1504,1505 Fax 02-5688848 After trading hour : Tel 081-8392068 or via Email : [email protected])
A drone permit is required for recreational drone use. Please follow the steps outlined above to obtain one.
NOTE: The processes to obtain a permit authorization in Thailand changed in July 2018.
Type of drone that must register :
-Drone with camera/ recording equipment.
-Drone over 2 kilograms
-Over 25 kilograms must have permission from the minister of transport
The response to registration will arrived depending on the flight sites requested.
Click here if you would like us to help you with the steps for the process. (What Is Recreational Drone Use?)
A permit is required for commercial drone use in Thailand. Please follow the steps outlined above to obtain one.
NOTE: The processes to obtain a permit authorization in Thailand changed in July 2018.
Type of drone that must register with CAAT and NBTC: both authorizations are required.
-Drone with camera/ recording equipment.
-Drone over 2 kilograms-Over 25 kilograms must have permission from the minister of transport
Click here If you would like us to help you with the steps for the process, or contact the local aviation authority. (What Is Commercial Drone Use?)
For a detailed guide to bringing your drone on airplanes click here. All drones should be brought on carry on luggage if possible. This is because according to the Montreal Convention, airlines are only liable for losses up to ~$1,000 USD. When traveling internationally, theft and lost luggage can be common issues, particularly if your flight has many connections. If your drone is worth more than $1,000 USD and you cannot bring it onto the plane you should consider shipping it with DHL, Fedex, or UPS instead and fully insure the shipment.
You should NOT place drone batteries in your checked baggage. All drone batteries should be placed in a Medium Size Lipo Battery Bag" data-src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=uavsystemsint-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B007V9MN44" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0" /> like the one shown here in the link and brought onto the plane in your carry on bag. Lithium-ion batteries are considered “dangerous goods” by airlines and rules surrounding these batteries on planes are EXTREMELY strict due to multiple incidents of these batteries catching fire. Failure to properly pack lithium-ion batteries in a bag such as the one shown in the link above can result in the airline seizing them, you getting fined, or being denied boarding.
Here is some video footage shot by Richard Richardson when flying a drone in Thailand.
Read all of our Thailand Drone Laws, and now looking for drones, parts, accessories, or something else? Read our guide for Buying Drones In Thailand. It includes information on drones for sale in Thailand, import taxes, payment options, and shipping.
