Thailand’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAAT) has announced updated regulations that permit drone flights across most of the country under strict operational conditions, while maintaining prohibitions in sensitive border districts and near airports.

The revised rules, effective until 15 November 2025 or until further notice, reflect a calibrated shift in allowing greater access while preserving national-security precautions.

Under the new directive, drone flights are prohibited in specified districts of five border provinces—Sa Kaeo, Buri Ram, Si Sa Ket, Surin and Ubon Ratchathani—and within nine kilometres of designated airports and airstrips.

Operators must register both their unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and their pilot licence with CAAT, and submit flight details (area, date, time and purpose) at least three days in advance via the UAS Portal.

Flights are permitted only between 06:00 and 18:00 hours, with a maximum altitude of 90 metres unless specifically authorised.

Night-time flights between 00:01 and 04:00 remain strictly prohibited.

The registration process also requires compliance with the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) for radio frequency allocation and drone ownership registration.

Drones equipped with cameras or weighing over two kilograms additionally require CAAT registration; those above 25 kilograms must secure written approval from the Transport Minister.

Operators are advised to complete the online knowledge test and secure third-party liability insurance of at least one million Thai baht.

These measures follow earlier temporary nationwide bans and phased relaxations tied to security considerations along the Thai-Cambodian border.

Authorities report a sharp surge in drone registrations under the new framework, indicating increasing interest from commercial users and hobbyists alike.

Although the broadening of permitted zones marks progress, CAAT emphasises that any designated high-risk area may be added to the no-fly list by security agencies at short notice.

For travellers and drone enthusiasts planning to operate in Thailand, compliance is critical: registration with both NBTC and CAAT is mandatory before any flight.

Violations—such as flying in restricted zones, at night or without prior approval—may attract penalties including equipment seizure, fines and imprisonment.

By streamlining regulatory pathways while retaining security safeguards, Thailand aims to support aerial imaging, commercial drone applications and tourism-related usage without compromising border or public-safety concerns.