Flying Drones in Thailand’s Historical Sites
Drone flights inside Thailand’s historical parks and archaeological zones are strictly controlled by the Fine Arts Department (FAD). Written approval is required before any operation. Unauthorized flights may result in fines, equipment confiscation, or legal action under Thai heritage-protection law.
Why Drone Flights Are Restricted
Historical parks contain ancient monuments, temples, and cultural assets that must be preserved with the highest level of protection. Drone activity is regulated to prevent physical impact, disturbance, or risks to heritage structures and visitor safety.
Key Reasons Include:
• Protection of fragile ancient structures and archaeological assets
• Preventing vibration or air disturbance over fragile ruins
• Managing safety risks in crowded visitor areas
• Preventing unauthorized filming or misuse of cultural heritage
Who Regulates Drone Use in Historical Sites
Drone operations in historical parks fall under the jurisdiction of the Fine Arts Department (FAD), Ministry of Culture. Each historical park is managed by a dedicated regional office responsible for evaluating and approving flight requests.
Key Authorities Include:
• Fine Arts Department Headquarters
• Regional Fine Arts Department Offices
• On-site Historical Park Management Units
Operational Restrictions for Drone Flights
Even with an approved permit, operators must follow strict operational rules designed to preserve cultural heritage and ensure public safety.
Key Restrictions Include:
• No flying directly above ancient monuments or structures
• No flying near unstable ruins or protected archaeological zones
• No flights during festivals, ceremonies, or peak visitor periods
• No commercial filming without a separate high-level permit
• All flights must follow approved routes, altitude limits, and time windows
Penalties for Unauthorized Flights
Unauthorized drone operations within historical sites are violations of heritage-protection law and subject to administrative and criminal penalties.
Key Penalties Include:
• Monetary fines under the Ancient Monuments and National Museums Act
• Confiscation of drones and related equipment
• Legal prosecution for causing damage or disturbance
• Restrictions or bans on future filming or drone permits
How to Apply for a Drone Permit
Drone permits must be requested directly from the Fine Arts Department regional office responsible for the specific site. Requirements vary between locations and may include detailed review by park management.
Step 1: Prepare Required Documents
Key Requirements Include:
• Passport or Thai ID
• Drone registration and valid insurance
• Drone model, serial number, and operating details
• Purpose of flight and detailed flight plan
• Altitude, flight duration, and operational footprint
• For filming teams: production details, schedules, and sample references
Step 2: Submit the Application
Key Actions Include:
• Submit all documents to the responsible FAD Regional Office
• Each historical park evaluates applications independently
• Sensitive areas may require review by FAD Headquarters
Step 3: Review and Conditions
Key Conditions Include:
• Standard processing time is 5 to 20 working days
• Additional on-site supervision may be required
• Weather, crowd density, or conservation conditions may affect approval
Important Note:
Commercial filming, brand promotion, media production, or monetized content requires a separate national-level approval from Fine Arts Department Headquarters.
Please contact the responsible Fine Arts Department regional office to confirm required documents and current processing timelines.
Selected Historical Parks Requiring Drone Permission
These examples represent Thailand’s major cultural heritage locations. All require written authorization prior to any drone activity.
Key Sites Include:
• Sukhothai Historical Park
• Ayutthaya Historical Park
• Si Satchanalai Historical Park
• Phanom Rung Historical Park
• Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park
Related No-Fly Zones & Restrictions
Depending on your flight location, additional restrictions may apply. Review related categories below:
Final Advisory
Because historical sites in Thailand operate under different regional and conservation regulations, drone operators are required to verify site-specific requirements directly with the responsible Fine Arts Department (FAD) office.
Drone permissions for historical parks and cultural heritage sites are not standardized nationwide and may vary by location, purpose of operation, and local authority discretion.
Rules and conditions may be updated at any time to protect archaeological remains, cultural heritage structures, and visitor safety.
Operators are responsible for ensuring all required approvals are obtained prior to flight, in addition to CAAT pilot licensing, UAV registration, NBTC compliance, and valid drone insurance.
Flights conducted without written authorization may result in immediate flight termination, fines, equipment confiscation, or future permit denial.
Related No-Fly Zones & Restrictions
Depending on your flight location, additional restrictions may apply. Review related categories below: