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Commercial aircraft taking off through controlled airspace, illustrating aviation traffic in regulated zones.
CAAT logo representing Thailand’s controlled airspace regulations

Issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) under official airspace regulations, Thailand classifies controlled airspace into three key categories:

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  • Prohibited (VTP),

  • Restricted (VTR), and

  • Danger (VTD) zones.


These classifications align with ICAO Annex 2: Rules of the Air and are designed to maintain safety, security, and national integrity.

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Understanding these zones is essential for every pilot — Thai or foreign — to stay compliant with flight laws and avoid penalties.

Certain National Park areas overlap with VTD or VTR zones. For details, see our National Park Drone Permit Guide

CAAT logo representing Thailand’s controlled airspace regulations
Traveler holding a drone controller in Thailand, preparing for legal drone operations.

Flying safely in Thailand means respecting its protected airspace.
Each VTP / VTR / VTD zone exists for a reason — to safeguard air traffic, military operations, cultural sites, and public safety.
Unaware or careless flights in these areas can cause airspace violations and legal consequences.

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In short: knowing where you can and can’t fly is not optional — it’s a legal responsibility.

VTP – Prohibited Area

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An airspace of defined dimensions where all drone and aircraft flights are strictly prohibited at all times.


These areas are established to protect sensitive government, military, or royal sites.

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Example:

  • Royal palaces and royal residences

  • Military command centers

  • Critical national security installations

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 No flights allowed — no exceptions.

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Completely off-limits

— violations can lead to severe penalties under aviation and security laws.

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VTR – Restricted Area

 

An airspace of defined dimensions where flights are restricted and allowed only under specified conditions with prior CAAT approval.

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Example:

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  • Bangkok Metropolitan area (VTR1 – within 19 km radius around Victory Monument)

  • Certain RTAF training and operation zones

 

Flights may be permitted if you apply in advance via the CAAT UAS Portal.

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Operations possible only with formal CAAT authorization — plan ahead and apply through the UAS Portal.

VTD – Danger Area

 

An airspace where hazardous activities to aircraft may occur at certain times (e.g., weapons training, aerial exercises).
Flights are possible but require caution and must follow approval procedures.

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Example:

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  • Surat Thani coastal areas (Koh Samui – VTD6)

  • Southern and eastern coastline airspace for RTAF operations

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Approval and situational awareness required before each flight.

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Fly with extreme caution — active military zones may change without prior notice.

Air traffic radar screen illustration showing aircraft movements within controlled airspace.
CAAT logo representing Thailand’s controlled airspace regulations

Step 1: Go to the CAAT UAS App on your mobile device.
(Do not confuse this with the CAAT UAS Portal website — that platform is for pilot registration and aircraft certification only.)

Log in and view the UAS Airspace Map to check your intended flight area.

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Step 2: Identify if your area falls under VTP, VTR, or VTD.
Green areas indicate normal zones where flight is typically allowed.

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Step 3: For restricted zones (red code), submit your flight request to the authorized agency — such as RTAF, RTN, or CAAT.
These are sensitive airspaces (e.g., VTD or VTR1 Bangkok) and normally take 3–5 working days for approval.
In areas outside NFZ (green code), flight requests may be approved instantly through the CAAT UAS App.

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CAAT logo representing Thailand’s controlled airspace regulations

Some VTR and VTD zones operate on specific schedules — often tied to military activity, training, or special events.
Always review CAAT’s NOTAMs (Notice to Airmen) or temporary advisories before flight.


These updates can be viewed directly in the CAAT UAS App or via the CAAT Official Website.

CAAT logo representing Thailand’s controlled airspace regulations

Flying in any restricted zone without permission is a criminal offense under CAAT and Thai aviation law.

• Imprisonment: up to 1 year
• Fine: up to 100,000 THB
• Equipment may be confiscated by Thai authorities

Unauthorized drone use near airports, military bases, or royal premises is treated as a serious breach of national security.

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Always verify your flight area in the CAAT UAS App before takeoff

CAAT logo representing Thailand’s controlled airspace regulations

Respecting airspace is part of professional drone conduct.
All pilots — domestic and visiting — must:

  • Register with CAAT & NBTC

  • Maintain valid insurance

  • Check flight zones and obtain approval before every operation

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📞 Need assistance?
Our Drone Compliance Support Team can help you understand airspace restrictions and prepare your flight plan correctly.

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Commercial aircraft on final approach over the runway, representing controlled airspace procedures in Thailand.
CAAT logo representing Thailand’s controlled airspace regulations

Many of Thailand’s top tourist destinations — including Bangkok, Hua Hin, Ko Tao, Samui, Kanchanaburi, Rayong, and Ko Chang — fall within restricted drone airspace zones.


These areas are regulated by CAAT, the Royal Thai Air Force, and the Royal Thai Navy.

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Before flying, operators must understand each zone’s restrictions, operating hours, and approval procedures to avoid legal penalties.

Google Earth Pro logo – download and install to view Thailand’s drone restricted zones (VTR, VTD, VTP).

Tip: Install Google Earth Pro and click the map icons to explore VTR, VTD, and VTP restricted zones across Thailand. This visual guide complements official CAAT publications and helps pilots plan safe operations.

Google Earth Pro link to view VTR1 Restricted Zone – Bangkok area

VTR 1 Zone: Restricted coverage within a 19 km radius centered on Victory Monument, Bangkok​

Type of restriction : Congested Area

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  • Nature of hazard/activity : -

  • Time of activity : 24H

  • Permission to entry : Only authorized aircraft by CAAT

  • Inflight information : Don Mueang or Bangkok Approach

  • Contact agency : CAAT, Flight formalities department

Google Earth Pro link to view VTD20 Hua Hin Civil Flight Zone

VTD20 HUA HIN

​Type of restriction : Civil Flight Training Area

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  • Nature of hazard/activity : Flight school training

  • Time of activity : Sunrise to Sunset

Google Earth Pro link to view VTD25 Ko Tao and Chumphon coastal area

VTD25 KO TAO, CHUMPHON

Type of restriction : RTN Weapon Training Range for surface ships and aircraft

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  • Nature of hazard/activity : Military operations

  • Time of activity : Notified by NOTAM

Google Earth link link to view VTD10 Surat Thani – Coastal defense area

VTD59, VTD60, and VTD61, Surat Thani, Samui, Pha Ngan Island. Combined with VTD25 KO TAO, CHUMPHON 

​Type of restriction : RTAF Flying Training

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  • Nature of hazard/activity : High speed combat manoeuvring

  • Time of activity : MON - FRI, 2300-1700

  • Pilots are advised to contact prior to entering.

  • Contact agency : Wing 7 Air Traffic Control branch, Tel. +662 534 6000 ext 65556, 6551

Google Earth Pro link to view VTR4 Kanchanaburi restricted airspace

VTD67 Kanchanaburi:

Type of restriction : RTA Flying Training

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  • Nature of hazard/activity : Military operations

  • Time of activity : Notified by NOTAM

  • Inflight information : Kanchanaburi Tower

  • Pilots are advised to contact prior to entering.

  • Contact agency : Air Operation Division, Tel. +662 280 2499

Google Earth Pro link - to view VTD72 Bangkok to Suphanburi RTAF Flying Training restricted area.

VTD72 BANGKOK, NONTHABURI, NAKHON PATHOM, SUPHANBURI

Type of restriction : RTAF Flying Training

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  • Nature of hazard/activity : High speed combat manoeuvring

  • Time of activity : MON - FRI, 2300-1500

  • Pilots are advised to contact prior to entering.

  • Contact agency : 604 Squadron, Tel. +662 534 6000 ext 22553

Google Earth Pro link to view VTR62 Eastern Area restricted airspace

VTR62 EASTERN AREA

Type of restriction : RTN Area

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  • Nature of hazard/activity : Military operations

  • Time of activity : Sunset to Sunrise

  • Permission to entry : Only authorized aircraft by RTN

  • Contact agency : Chanthaburi and Trat Border Defense Command, Tel. +663 931 2334, +663 931 1099

Google Earth Pro link to view VTR13 Ko Samet RTN zon

VTR13 KO SAMET, RAYONG

Type of restriction : RTN Jettison Area / Ground Gunnery Area

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  • Nature of hazard/activity : Military operations

  • Time of activity : H24

  • Permission to entry : Only authorized aircraft by U-Tapao

  • Contact agency : Royal Thai Naval Air Division, Tel. +663 824 5193, +663 824 5196

Google Earth Pro link to view VTD24 Ko Chang RTN zone

VTD24 KO CHANG, TRAT

Type of restriction : RTN Gun Training Range for surface ships and aircraft

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  • Nature of hazard/activity : Military operations

  • Time of activity : Notified by NOTAM

  • Pilots are advised to contact prior to entering.

  • Contact agency : Royal Thai Naval Air Division, Tel. +663 824 5193, +663 824 5196

Google Earth Pro link to view VTD30–VTD32 Nakhon Si Thammarat area

VTD30 WEST NAKHON RATCHASIMA

Area 1 RTAF Nakhon Ratchasima  Flying Training Areas

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  • Time of activity: MON–FRI, 2300–1000

  • Inflight information:

  • Contact agency:
    Wing 1 Air Traffic Control Branch, Tel. +662 534 6000 ext. 40555, 40556

Google Earth Pro link – view VTD30–VTD32 Nakhon Ratchasima and Lop Buri RTAF Flying Training areas

VTD30 EAST NAKHON RATCHASIMA

Area 2 RTAF Nakhon Ratchasima  Flying Training Areas

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  • Time of activity: MON–FRI, 2300–1000

  • Inflight information:

  • Contact agency:
    Wing 1 Air Traffic Control Branch, Tel. +662 534 6000 ext. 40555, 4

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Google Earth Pro link – view VTD30–VTD32 Nakhon Ratchasima and Lop Buri RTAF Flying Training areas

VTD32 NAKHON RATCHASIMA

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  • Circle of 50 NM radius centred on point KRT TACAN (145606.0N 1020421.8E).

  • Excluding Khorat Control Zone and Buri Ram Terminal Control Area.

Google Earth Pro logo for downloading and viewing Thailand drone airspace zone

VTD31 – Lop Buri Flying Training Areas

  • Time of activity: MON–FRI, 2200–1700

  • Inflight information:

  • Contact agency:
    Wing 2 Air Traffic Control Branch, Tel. +662 534 6000 ext. 50520

Google Earth Pro link – view VTD41 Mae Rim Chiang Mai RTAF Flying Training restricted zone

VTD41 – Mae Rim, Chiang Mai

Type of Restriction: RTAF Flying Training

 

  • Nature of Activity: High-speed combat manoeuvring

  • Time of Activity: Monday – Friday, 0100–1400 (UTC)

  • Pilot Advisory: Pilots are advised to contact before entering this area.

  • Contact Agency:
    Wing 41 Air Traffic Control Branch
    Tel: +66 2 534 6000 ext. 57504, 57503

Google Earth Pro link – view VTD41 Mae Rim, Chiang Mai RTAF Flying Training restricted zone.

Type of Restriction: RTAF Flying Training
Nature of Activity: High-speed combat manoeuvrings


Time of Activity: Monday – Friday, 0100–1400 (UTC)

In-flight Communication:

  • FOCAL Control: 127.0 MHz or 331.3 MHz

  • If unable: Contact Chiang Mai Approach: 129.6 MHz or 305.4 MHz

Pilot Advisory: Pilots are advised to contact before entering this area.

Contact Agency:
Wing 41 Air Traffic Control Branch
Tel: +66 2 534 6000 ext. 57504, 57503

Air traffic control tower overseeing aircraft operations within controlled airspace.

• Do I need approval before flying in a VTP / VTR / VTD zone?

Yes. All flights in these controlled zones require CAAT authorization through the  UAS App before takeoff.

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• Can I fly near a military or training area if it looks inactive?

No. These zones remain restricted even when inactive. Unauthorized entry may result in prosecution.

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• How long does flight approval take?
Typically 3–5 business days, depending on your flight plan and airspace activity.

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• What documents do I need to apply?
A valid CAAT registration, NBTC license, and drone insurance policy.

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• Who manages these restricted areas?
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) and Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) jointly control and authorize these airspaces.

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• What happens if I fly without permission?
You may face up to 1 year imprisonment or fines up to 100,000 THB, and your equipment can be confiscated.

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• Where can I check active restricted zones?
Visit the CAAT UAS Portal APP or consult your local CAAT-approved flight map provider for real-time airspace updates.

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For official updates, visit the CAAT UAS Portal before every flight.

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