CAAT Drone Registration in Thailand
Flight Permission During Mandatory Registration ProcessHow Flight Authorization Works While Completing Required Documents
Educational Guide — Not a Standalone Service
This page explains how CAAT flight permission is processed during the mandatory CAAT and NBTC registration stage, while required documents are being completed.
Flight permission support is available only as part of selected registration packages and is not offered as a standalone service.
Mandatory Documents Completed
Thailand currently operates under a full e-Government framework.
Electronic documents are legally acceptable.
Mandatory documents may be stored in electronic format on a mobile device and presented to officers upon request.
Operators are responsible for ensuring that all documents are accessible and readable at the point of inspection.
Hard-copy documents are not mandatory.
However, carrying printed copies is recommended in the following situations:
When operating in areas with limited or no internet connectivity.
When documents are required for submission or verification by local authorities.
When applying for additional permissions, such as operations within National Parks or other protected areas.
Flight Authorization and Pre-Flight Requirement
In Thailand, flight authorization is not bundled with registration or insurance.
Every flight is assessed separately.
Every flight location is evaluated independently.
Responsibility for verifying flight authorization rests with the individual operator.
This responsibility is not transferred to TDS, CAAT, or any insurance provider.
Prior to conducting any flight, the operator must access the CAAT UAS Portal mobile application.
The intended flight location, date, and time must be submitted for assessment.
This requirement applies to every flight.
Previous authorizations do not extend to subsequent operations.
CAAT UAS Portal System
The CAAT UAS Portal operates under a single name but serves separate functions.
The web-based portal is used for administrative processes, including pilot licensing and aircraft registration. Completion of processes on the web portal does not authorize flight operations.
The mobile application, available on iOS and Android platforms, is used for operational control. The mobile application is the system designated for checking airspace conditions and requesting flight authorization.
Flight Permission Process (CAAT UAS Portal)
(Flight Permission)
The CAAT UAS Portal mobile application is used to assess and authorize flights prior to operation.
The process below applies to each individual flight.
Step 1 — Access the Mobile Application
Open the CAAT UAS Portal mobile application on your device.
The desktop web portal is not used for flight authorization.
Step 2 — Select Flight Parameters
Enter the intended flight location, date, and time.
The system evaluates the request based on airspace classification and restrictions.
Step 3 — Submit Flight Request
Submit the flight request through the application for assessment.
Each request is evaluated independently.
Step 4 — Review System Status
The system will return one of the following results:
A green status indicates authorization for the specified flight parameters.
A red status indicates authorization has not been granted and further action is required.
Step 5 — Act According to the Result
Flights may only be conducted when authorization is granted.
If authorization is not granted, the operator must comply with the conditions shown in the system before any operation.
This keeps:
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Legal defensibility
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Clear operator responsibility
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No hand-holding
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No implied TDS involvement
System Status Interpretation
A green status indicates authorization for the specified flight location, date, and time.
Operations may proceed in accordance with applicable operational limitations.
A red status indicates that authorization has not been granted.
The system will specify the required next action.
Additional coordination with relevant authorities may be required depending on airspace classification.
Operation of an unmanned aircraft without authorization is not permitted.
Operator Responsibility
Operational compliance remains the responsibility of the operator.
Flight authorization must be verified prior to each flight.
System conditions and restrictions must be observed at all times.
TDS provides services related to licensing, registration, insurance, and regulatory compliance support.
Flight authorization requests and flight decisions are not managed by TDS.
Important Legal Notes
Operating a drone in Thailand without valid CAAT registration or required flight authorization is illegal.
Failure to obtain flight authorization, or operating outside approved flight conditions, may result in regulatory enforcement action, including penalties and confiscation of equipment.
All registrations and approvals must remain valid throughout the period of operation in Thailand.
Summary
Possession of mandatory documents confirms eligibility.
Flight authorization confirms legality of operation.
Authorization must be obtained through the CAAT UAS Portal mobile application before each flight.
Ready to Fly Legally in Thailand?
Ensure that all flight authorization requirements are verified through the CAAT UAS Portal before each flight.
Review applicable airspace restrictions and operational conditions prior to operation.
Note: CAAT flight permission support is available only as part of registration packages. This page is for educational reference and does not represent a standalone service.