Due to this surge in popularity of using drones to capture aerial footage, many governments have had to create and update their drone usage laws. Depending on their usage, drones are potentially dangerous and hazardous to the general public and air traffic. Without sufficient control and regulation, the increase in drone usage could cause havoc for governments worldwide, especially for popular tourist destinations.
If you want to use a drone in Thailand and explore this country from an aerial perspective, there are regulations you must adhere to.
Please note that these regulations are up to date as of 1 October 2018. For current drone news and updated consider visiting UAV Systems International and the official CAAT websites.
Drone Regulations in Thailand for the purposes of public order, safety and security:
- Radio controlled drones brought into Thailand need import permits and registration from the NBTC. Failure to secure import permits may result in regulatory and criminal sanctions. Criminal penalties include fines of up to 100,000 THB and/or imprisonment for up to five years.
- Drones with import permits must be declared to the Customs department at the port of entry.
- Drone launchers/controllers need to secure drone launcher registration/licenses with the CAAT and follow drone flying rules. Failure to secure drone launcher registration/licenses may result in regulatory and criminal sanctions. Criminal penalties include fines of up to 50,000 THB and/or imprisonment for up to one year.
