Keith Ericksen 
Welcome to our beginner’s guide to getting know about Thailand Drone Laws. In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know and stay updated about Thailand’s drone laws. We also will be covering the following information such as where to get the drone permit for this country, as well as the best drones to fly, travel guides, and contact information to the civil aviation authority of the stated country. Without further ado, let’s dive into the details:
- Thailand Drone Laws & Regulations
- How to get Drone Permit for Thailand
- Drone traveling tips to Thailand
- Best Drones to Buy for Thailand
- Drone aerial stills & videos
- Civil Aviation Authority Office contact information
Table of Contents:
An aerial video of Thailand, featuring clear blue and lush forests that feels like you are at a paradise country. The combination of bustling cities and nature makes it an attraction for tourists who wants to enjoy flying their drones.
Introduction to Thailand Drone Laws
To fly your drones legally in Thailand, you need to ensure that you understand the following applicable drone laws in that country. According to the Thailand Civil Aviation Authority, you are allowed to fly your drones both recreational and commercially. Which makes Thailand a very popular country for both recreational and commercial drone operators. Below are the applicable drone rules that you need to follow when flying in Thailand:
- Drones must be registered with Thailand Civil Aviation Authority Office if they:
- are outfitted with a camera.
- weighs more than 4.4 lbs.
- Maintain a clear visual line of sight when flying your drone.
- Maintain at least 5 miles away from aerodromes, unless you have prior approval from the authorities.
- Don’t fly overcrowded areas or prohibited zones.
- Don’t fly your drone higher than 400 feet above the ground level.
- Fly during daylight hours.
- Fly when the weather visibility condition is good.
- Maintain at least 30 meters away from people, moving vehicles and buildings that aren’t part of your flight operations.
Getting Drone Permit for Thailand
Before you can fly your drones in Thailand, you need to register yours with the civil aviation authority office which can be done via here. There is no drone permit required to fly your quadcopter recreational or commercially. However, you need to be sure that you are following the rules above to operate your drone legally.
When it comes to flying the drones, Thailand is one of the least strict country compared to other countries like Cuba. This makes Thailand especially a very popular spot for drone operators who are looking to expand their business by introducing new stills and footages to earn.
back to menu ↑Drone Traveling Tips to Thailand
There are several methods to travel to another country with your drone. Read our important traveling tips to get the latest scoop on the best drone traveling practices and become informed. In this section, we will be covering what to do if you are traveling by air or by sea.
Traveling by Air
If you decided to travel by air and would like to bring your drone with you. You need to be aware that the airlines can only reimburse up to $1,000 for loss and damage to your property, including drone and its gear. That’s because of the Montreal Convention which limits how much airlines are allowed to pay you up to a maximum value of $1,000 — no matter how expensive your drone is.
Therefore, we highly encourage bringing your drone and its accessories as carry-on all the times. Furthermore, the drone batteries can’t be in the check luggages. Because they are prone to extreme temperature that poses fire hazards when undergoing temperature change. In rare circumstances, some airlines have strict policy and you will be only given the option to check luggage. To avoid this from happening, we recommend buying these fireproof drone battery bags:
- Colcase Fireproof Li-Po Battery Bag (up to 198 x 150 x 135mm)
- Apex RC Fireproof Li-Po Battery Bag (up to 240 x 65 x 180mm)
- Realacc Upgraded Fireproof Li-Po Battery Bag (up to 220 x 155 x 115mm)
Traveling by Sea
Generally, you are allowed to bring your drone with you. But that depends on the cruise’s policy regarding to use of the drones. The only time you can operate your drone is when you are on land, never while the ship is in process of ferrying to other country. Flying the drones at the ports is also not allowed. Because each cruise companies are unique, we encourage you to check and familiarize with their policy on drones. Reach out to get more information if possible.
Best Drones for Thailand
These are the best drones for traveling around the world such as Thailand due to their flying specifications and camera capabilities. Be sure to read each drone review guide by visiting each link so that you can decide which quadcopter you want to buy before going on a vacation.
Alternatively, you can visit our shop to see a wide selection of prosumer drones that are currently for sale on the best price deals. We only recommend the best drones for traveling that are portable, compact and equipped with powerful camera capabilities, while striving to provide affordable options for those who are looking to get started.
back to menu ↑Contact Information
If you need additional information about drone regulations and flying in Thailand. Keep it in mind that we try our best to provide the latest information about drone laws. Because the drone laws are not universal, they can wildly vary from a country with lax regulations to another country that has strict regulations. For any drone regulations that you are not sure, feel free to contact the Aviation Inspector directly:
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand
Tel: +66 (0) 2568-8800
E-Mail: info@caat.or.th
Fax : +66 (0) 2568-8844
Keith Ericksen
Hello, welcome to UAV Adviser! My name is Keith Ericksen. I am a commercial licensed drone operator. Flying and talking about the drones is my passion. Whether it is toy-grade to professional-grade quadcopters. On my leisure, I enjoy socializing with friends, play video games, hiking, traveling and reading. If you have a project that needs our drone services, please contact us via Hire-A-Pilot page.
