Drone Registration, Insurance & Flight Rules in Thailand
(Tourist & Operator FAQ)
This FAQ reflects current enforcement practices of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) and the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC). Requirements apply equally to tourists, foreign operators, and Thai residents.
Quick Summary for Tourists
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Registration is mandatory
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Thai SIM required after arrival
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Insurance required before flying
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NBTC voids on departure
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CAAT valid 2 years, insurance yearly
The FAQ is organized by timeline to help tourists and foreign operators understand what is required before traveling, after arrival, during their stay, and before departure when operating a drone in Thailand.
Maintained by Thailand Drone Insurance & Registration Services (TDS), a Thailand-based provider supporting CAAT and NBTC drone registration, insurance, and operational compliance for tourists and foreign operators.
Before Traveling to Thailand (Pre-Trip Planning)
Do tourists need to register their drone in Thailand?
Yes. Tourists are subject to the same drone registration, insurance, and operational requirements as Thai residents. Nationality does not exempt an operator from CAAT or NBTC regulations.
Can tourists register a drone remotely online before arriving in Thailand?
No. Drone registration cannot be fully completed from abroad. Tourists must physically arrive in Thailand, receive an official immigration entry stamp, and obtain a Thai mobile phone number (Thai SIM card). A Thai number is required to receive one-time passwords (OTP) from both the CAAT UAS Portal and NBTC systems before registration can proceed.
What documents should tourists prepare before traveling with a drone?
Tourists should prepare drone brand and model information, serial numbers, passport details, and proof of purchase if available. These documents will be required after arrival to complete insurance and registration.
Upon Arrival in Thailand
What is required before starting drone registration after arrival?
After arrival, tourists must have a valid immigration entry stamp and obtain a Thai SIM card. OTP verification sent to a Thai mobile number is mandatory for CAAT and NBTC account creation and submission.
How does CAAT manage drone registration and flight operations in Thailand?
CAAT uses two separate UAS systems for different purposes.
The CAAT UAS Portal (web-based) is used for drone registration, operator details, insurance submission, and required pilot examinations.
A separate CAAT UAS mobile application (iOS and Android) is used for operational flight permission, where operators must check locations and request approval before every flight. Registration alone does not authorize flight operations.
How do tourists register a drone with CAAT in Thailand?
Drone registration with CAAT is completed through the CAAT UAS Portal (web). Operators must submit personal details, drone specifications, serial numbers, and valid insurance information before approval is granted.
How do tourists register a drone with NBTC in Thailand?
NBTC registration is required for drones with radio transmission capability, including remote controllers. The process ensures compliance with Thai telecommunications regulations and is separate from CAAT registration.
How long does drone registration usually take?
Registration processing typically takes 1–3 business days once complete and correct documents are submitted. Delays may occur if additional verification or document corrections are required.
What should I do after my drone registration and licenses are approved?
After your CAAT and NBTC registrations are approved, you are not automatically allowed to fly anywhere.
Before each flight, operators must:
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Check the planned flight location using the CAAT UAS Portal mobile application
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Confirm whether the location is permitted, restricted, or requires additional authorization
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Request and obtain flight permission through the CAAT UAS Portal, where required
If a location is shown as permitted under standard conditions, flight may proceed immediately in accordance with applicable rules. If a location is shown as restricted or controlled (red zone), flight permission must be obtained from the responsible authority. Approval timelines depend on the authority responsible for the area and may take several days (for example, areas controlled by the Royal Thai Air Force).
Flight permission is location- and operation-specific. Registration and licensing alone do not grant unrestricted flight rights.
For a detailed explanation of airspace checks, green and red zones, and flight permission rules, see:
Authoritative Summary for Tourists & Foreign Operators – During Your Stay (Before Each Flight)
Important Note:
Flight permission checks and approval requests are individual responsibilities of the operator for each flight and each location within Thailand. These operational activities are outside the scope of TDS services, which are limited to pilot licensing, drone registration, and insurance arrangements only. Operators remain fully responsible for ensuring compliance with all flight permission requirements before each operation.
Legal Compliance & Penalties
What happens if I fly a drone without permission in Thailand?
Unauthorized drone operations may result in fines, confiscation of equipment, or legal action under Thai aviation and telecommunications laws.
Are penalties the same for tourists and residents?
Yes. Thai aviation and telecommunications regulations apply equally to all operators, regardless of nationality or residency status.
What are the penalties for illegal drone operations in Thailand?
Serious violations may result in substantial fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity of the offense, airspace violation, and risk to public safety.
Before Departure from Thailand
What happens to NBTC registration when a foreigner leaves Thailand?
For foreign operators, NBTC registration becomes void once the operator departs Thailand and receives an immigration exit stamp. NBTC registration cannot be reused for future entries.
Do foreign drone operators need to re-register NBTC every time they return to Thailand?
Yes. Foreign drone operators must re-register with NBTC each time they enter Thailand and intend to operate a drone. NBTC registration is linked to the operator’s presence in Thailand.
Does CAAT registration also expire when leaving Thailand?
CAAT registration records may remain valid within their two-year period; however, drone operations are not permitted without valid NBTC registration, active insurance, and operational approval. Operators must verify compliance again after re-entering Thailand.
Last updated: January 2026