[Last update: 6 January 2026] Before I visited Thailand this year, I knew that I wanted to bring my mini drone. I was going to visit beautiful sights and remote islands, and how could I not get beautiful shots of them?
Of course, as in many other countries, being able to fly a drone legally in Thailand requires a couple registrations, and it can be difficult for visitors to understand where to start.
I’ve written this guide based on my own experience to help you complete the required drone registrations and fly your drone in Thailand worry-free.
NOTICE: Thailand’s temporary nationwide ban on drone operations has been lifted.
Until further notice, additional conditions apply:
– Drone flying is not permitted in the provinces of Chanthaburi, Trat, Sa Kaeo, Buriram, Si Sa Ket, Surin, Ratchathani and Nakhon Ratchasima, as well as in some other districts of Chon Buri, Rayong, Chachoengsao, Phetchaburi, Samut Songkhram and Samut Sakhon province.
– Drone flights must be announced at least 3 days in advance via the UAS Portal app (easier) or web portal and also reported to the anti-drone police by email to antidrone.police@gmail.com using the CAAT-UAS-STO-001 form must be used (and option 2 must be checked).
Can you fly a drone in Thailand?
Yes – drones are legal in Thailand, but their use is regulated regarding safety, security, and compliance with national laws.
This is enforced by two key authorities: the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) and the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC).
The drone laws in Thailand apply to all drones with a camera (regardless of weight) and to drones over 2kg (4.4lbs).
Whether you’re a tourist, a hobbyist, or a professional filming for a commercial project, you must follow the registration procedures to avoid legal trouble.
Can you bring a drone to Thailand?
Yes, tourists can bring drones to Thailand, but you must go through the appropriate registering processes to fly one. You will also be required to hold valid drone insurance in Thailand.
Being caught operating an unregistered drone in Thailand can result in fines and even imprisonment. Drones can also be confiscated in Thailand when pilots are found violating drone laws and regulations (for example, flying in restricted areas without permits or operating the drone recklessly).
Need drone insurance? I personally use Coverdrone for worldwide coverage, and highly recommend them.
Can you buy a drone in Thailand?
Yes, you can buy drones in Thailand. There are numerous retailers, camera and electronics stores selling drones in Thailand, including a number of DJI stores in Bangkok.
If you wish to buy a drone while in Thailand, I highly recommend purchasing one from a store in the country, instead of ordering one online. There have been numerous reports of electronic items (from drones to smartphones, etc.) getting confiscated or held at customs when shipped from abroad, without a clear resolution.
Note: If you purchase a drone in Thailand, you must still complete the drone registration processes to fly it legally.
How to register a drone in Thailand
Previously, it was possible to make most of the drone registrations required in Thailand online ahead of time, which was handy for those travelling there only for a short period.
Unfortunately, the process changed at the start of 2025 and now it’s no longer possible to register ahead of arriving in the country – as you need both a Thai phone number and your arrival stamp.
Keep reading to find out how to register a drone in Thailand and the various options I recommend:
Required permits for flying a drone legally in Thailand:
- Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) Registration (includes a 40-question online test)
This is required for:
– All drones with a camera (regardless of weight);
– Drones over 2kg (4.4lbs);
Valid for: 2 years
Cost: Free - National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) Registration
This is required for:
– All drones with a camera (regardless of weight);
– Drones over 250g;
Valid for: the duration of your stay, as per your entry stamp or visa
Cost: 214 THB (approx. $6.60 USD) - Third-party liability drone insurance (my worldwide Coverdrone policy was sufficient)
This must:
– Be valid in Thailand;
– Have a minimum coverage of 1,000,000 THB (approx. $31,000 USD);
– Be written in English or Thai; - Additional permits (optional – only for drones over 25kg (55lbs), for flying a drone for commercial purposes, or to fly in restricted areas like National Parks. To be requested from each entity and/or the Thai Ministry of Transport.
1. Use a drone registration service (most convenient)
If you’re travelling to Thailand for a short period (1-2 weeks) it’s very inconvenient to wait to arrive in the country to complete all the necessary drone registrations.
Aside from this, you will have to spend time from your trip completing an online test and risking errors in the submission process which can delay approvals, and even more so if you arrive around the weekend. Not the ideal way to spend your holidays, in my opinion.
This is why I chose to go for a drone registration service with Thaifreude! They are Thailand-based and the 3000 THB fee (USD $90) includes:
- CAAT Registration with Thai phone number (so you don’t need to wait to arrive in Thailand to obtain one!);
- CAAT Certificate completed before your trip (and you don’t need to complete the 40-question online test!);
- NBTC Registration payment (so you don’t have to worry about going to a bank branch in Thailand);
- NBTC Registration as soon as you provide your Thailand entry stamp;
- They also sell drone insurance, if you need it.
Max was very responsive and supportive throughout the process, and everything was done swiftly! I got my CAAT permit before flying to Thailand, and my NBTC permit was ready on the next business day after I landed in Bangkok!
2. Complete the registrations yourself (cheaper, but more complex)
If the drone registration services are too spenny for you, you can also proceed with registering your drone in Thailand on your own.
You won’t be able to complete the registrations before arriving in Thailand, and you must allow a few business days for the process.
There is also the risk of errors in the submission process, which can cause delays in the approvals. Keep this in mind when planning when to fly your drone during your trip.
2.1. Purchase third-party liability drone insurance
To fly your drone legally, you must hold third-party liability drone insurance valid in Thailand with a minimum coverage of 1,000,000 THB (approx. $31,000 USD). The document must be written in English or Thai and include your name and drone serial number mentioned.
If you already hold worldwide drone insurance, this is sufficient, as long as it meets the above requirements.
I personally use Coverdrone for worldwide drone insurance and highly recommend them.
2.2. Register with the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT)
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) oversees drone operators and aircrafts, ensuring safe operations in Thai airspace.
Registration with CAAT is mandatory for all drones with a camera (regardless of weight) and for drones over 2kg (4.4lbs).
Step 1: Create a new account on the CAAT UAS Portal
You will need a Thai phone number for this.
If you have a friend or relative in Thailand, or some way of getting a Thai SIM card ahead of your trip, you may create your account beforehand.
Otherwise, you must wait and purchase a SIM card upon landing in Thailand. Then, you can proceed with the CAAT registration.
Step 2: Complete the CAAT registration
This involves submitting details about your drone (make, model, serial number), providing your personal information and ID, and passing a 40-question online test on drone laws and safety.
The online test can be completed in English or in Thai, and if you fail you must wait 24 hours before re-taking it. Jump here for a summary of Thailand’s Key Drone Flight Rules.
The CAAT registration is free, and once approved is valid for 2 years.
2.3. Register with the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC)
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) regulates the radio frequencies used by drones and their remote controls.
Registration with the NBTC is mandatory for all drones with a camera (regardless of weight) and for drones over 250g within 30 days of arriving in Thailand or after purchasing a drone locally.
Step 1: Register your drone online or at an NBTC office
If you opt to register at a physical office in Thailand, you may do so at the NBTC headquarters in Bangkok or at one of its regional offices in cities like Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, or Phuket. Others who have done this report that it shouldn’t take longer than 30 minutes if you come prepared with all the required documentation.
The registration involves submitting a copy of your passport with an entry stamp, providing photos, details and serial number of your drone and controller, and completing the NBTC registration form.
Step 2: Pay the NBTC registration fee
The NBTC registration usually costs 214 THB (approx. $6.60 USD) and can be paid at the local office (if registering at an NBTC office), online, or at a local bank such as Krungthai Bank.
Once approved, the NBTC registration is tied to the duration of your visa or entry stamp. It requires renewing if you extend your stay or re-enter Thailand at a later date.
2.4. (Optional) Additional Permits for Special Cases
Drones over 25kg (55lbs) and Commercial Use
If your drone weighs more than 25kg (55lbs) or you’ll be flying your drone for commercial purposes, you must also obtain permission from the Thai Ministry of Transport and adhere to stricter guidelines.
Flying over National Parks and restricted zones
If you plan to fly in restricted zones, such as near airports or protected buildings, you must obtain additional permissions from the relevant entities.
If you wish to fly your drone in National Parks such as the Phi Phi National Park or the Tarutao National Marine Park, you can request permission onsite at the respective National Park office.
Usually, you’ll be required to show your ID/Passport, evidence of your CAAT and NBTC drone registrations, and fill in a form. I did this for Tarutao National Marine Park and it took less than 20 minutes at the local office in Pak Bara before boarding the speedboat.
Key Drone Flight Rules in Thailand
- Daylight flights only: Drone flying is restricted between sunrise and sunset. Flying at night requires additional permissions.
- Visual Line of Sight (VLOS): The drone must be kept in line of sight at all times.
- No-fly zones: Unless you have prior authorisation, drones are prohibited within 9 kilometres (5.6 miles) of airports or airfields. Government buildings, hospitals, military installations, and crowded public spaces are also off-limits.
- Minimum distances: You must maintain a minimum horizontal distance of 30 meters (98 ft) from people, vehicles, buildings, and structures.
- Maximum altitude: The height limit for drone flights is 90 meters (300 ft) above ground level.
Final thoughts
Flying a drone legally in Thailand is becoming a bit more regulated, but with the processes now clearly laid out for you, it should be straightforward to prepare the required registrations before setting off to fly your drone worry-free.
If you obtain any new/different information from official Government sources after reading this post, please leave a comment below or email hello@jesseatstheworld.com so that I can update it. Thank you!
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