Thailand Drone Insurance & Registration

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 the information on their portal 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

Note: As of 2025 the CAAT drone registration process requires applicants to register and take a test in their new online portal but you will not be able to complete this until you arrive in Thailand as it requires a Thai phone number. If you buy our registration service we will provide a step by step guide and sample test questions to ensure you can complete it as quickly as possible.

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://uasportal.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.

The process for registering your drone with CAAT:

1. Obtain a Thai phone number on arrival in Thailand
2. Register for the CAAT portal
3. Upload the required documents to the portal
4. Take the 40 question timed test
5. Receive your registration approval, this is usually received the same day.

Documents required for drone registration with CAAT:

1. Document of ownership or purchase receipts for the drone
2. Photos of the drone including serial number
3. Drone Insurance Policy

The CAAT registration now includes a 40 question timed test to demonstrate your knowledge of Thailand’s drone laws and regulations. If you fail the test then you must wait 24 hours to retake it. This can cause additional delays in your application. If you would like help with the test please use our drone registration service to receive a step by step guide and sample test questions.

Copies of your drone insurance and drone registration documents 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://uasportal.caat.or.th/

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