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During Your Stay in Thailand

(Before Each Flight – Mandatory Checks)

Once you are in Thailand and fully registered, you must re-check compliance before every single flight. Approval is not permanent and does not carry over between locations or dates.

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​What must be checked before each flight

​Before powering on your drone, confirm all of the following:

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  1. Pilot (Operator) approval remains active Your CAAT UAS Portal operator account is valid and not suspended.

  2. Drone registration alone does not allow flight in Thailand.

  3. Drone registration certificate is valid

    The aircraft is correctly registered under CAAT and linked to your operator account.

  4. Insurance is active on the flight date

    Third-party liability insurance must cover the exact period of operation.

  5. NBTC controller approval remains valid

    Radio controller approval must still be active and compliant.

  6. Approval is flight-specific. A previous approval does not authorize a new location, new date, or new time.

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Important: Registration alone does not permit flight. Per-flight authorization via the CAAT UAS Portal is mandatory.

Traveler in Thailand viewing coastal landscape before flying a drone, illustrating pre-flight awareness and compliance requirements

How does CAAT manage drone registration
and flight operations?

CAAT UAS Portal logo for drone registration and flight permission in Thailand
CAAT UAS Portal logo for drone registration and flight permission in Thailand
CAAT UAS Portal logo for drone registration and flight permission in Thailand

CAAT operates two separate UAS systems, each with a distinct function:

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Registration alone does not grant permission to fly.​

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CAAT UAS Portal – official registration system

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Account creation and verification require a Thai mobile number (Thai SIM) and are generally completed only after arrival in Thailand.

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Important Note:

The CAAT UAS Portal may not function properly outside Thailand. Account creation and verification require a Thai mobile phone number (Thai SIM) to receive one-time password (OTP) verification messages from CAAT and NBTC systems. For this reason, drone registration and related processes are generally completed only after arrival in Thailand with a valid immigration entry stamp.

UAS Portal Guide

The CAAT UAS Portal is Thailand’s official system for drone registration, operator verification, airspace control, and flight permission enforcement.

Every foreign pilot must understand how this system works before attempting any flight.

Two Different CAAT UAS Systems
(Important)

​Thailand operates two connected but different UAS systems.

They are not interchangeable and serve different legal functions.

1. CAAT UAS Portal – Web Version

​Purpose: Registration & certification only

 

Used for:

 

  • Drone (aircraft) registration

  • Pilot / operator profile

  • Insurance submission

  • Linking drone, pilot, and insurance records

 

Important:

 

  • Registration does NOT grant permission to fly

  • Account creation and verification require:

     

    • Valid Thailand immigration entry stamp

    • Thai mobile phone number (Thai SIM) for OTP

  • This process is usually completed only after arrival in Thailand

2. CAAT UAS Mobile Application (iOS / Android)

Purpose: Flight permission & airspace control

 

Used for:

 

  • Checking airspace status before every flight

  • Submitting flight permission requests

  • Receiving real-time approval or rejection

  • Enforcement reference during inspections

 

This is the only legal gateway for flight authorization in Thailand.

caat-uas-mobile-app

Before Each Flight –
Mandatory Use of the CAAT UAS App

Before each flight, the operator must use the CAAT UAS Mobile Application to verify airspace status and obtain flight permission.

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Step 1 – Open the CAAT UAS Mobile App (iOS / Android)

 

Log in using your registered CAAT operator account.

The web-based CAAT UAS Portal is not used for flight authorization.

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Step 2 – Submit a Flight Request

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  • Select the registered drone

  • Select the exact flight location on the map

  • Select the flight date and time

  • Submit the request (typically takes under 1 minute)​

 

Step 3 – Automatic Airspace Check

 

The system automatically checks for:

 

  • No-Fly Zones (NFZ)

  • Restricted areas

  • Special security or protected zones​

 

Step 4 – Receive Approval Status

 

Approval status is displayed directly in the CAAT UAS Mobile App.

The approval must be visible on your mobile device during the flight.

Approval must be obtained before each individual flight.

 System Status Interpretation

  • Green Area

​Flight permitted under standard conditions.  Approval is typically instant

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  • Red Area

No-Fly Zone (NFZ) or restricted airspace

Additional permission required from the relevant authority

(e.g. RTAF / National Parks / security agencies)

 

Operation of an unmanned aircraft without an approved flight authorization shown in the CAAT UAS system is strictly prohibited.

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Important Approval Rules

Approval is:

  • Location-specific

  • Date-specific

  • Time-specific

 

A previous approval does not authorize flight at another location or time.

 

Screenshots, old approvals, or third-party maps do not override the CAAT system.

Enforcement checks are based on live CAAT UAS Portal status at the time of flight.

Paperless Compliance in Thailand

Thailand operates under an e-Government (paperless) compliance system.

 

The following are issued digitally:

 

  • Drone registration certificates

  • Pilot licenses

  • Insurance policies

 

Digital copies displayed on a mobile phone are generally accepted during inspections.

 

Printed documents are required only in rare cases, such as:

 

  • Manual office inspections

  • Certain location-specific approval processes

Airspace reality (important for tourists)

  • Bangkok and major cities are controlled or restricted airspace

  • National Parks, Historical Sites, temples, beaches, and islands often require additional permissions or are strictly prohibited

  • Private property may still require CAAT approval depending on location and airspace class

  • Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) may appear without advance notice

 

Always check airspace status on the same day you fly using the CAAT UAS mobile app.

Operator Responsibility

Operational compliance remains the sole responsibility of the operator. Flight authorization must be verified prior to each flight. System conditions and restrictions must be observed at all times. Thailand Drone Insurance & Registration Services (TDS) provides services related to licensing, registration, insurance, and regulatory compliance support. Flight authorization requests and flight decisions are not managed by TDS.

Common tourist mistakes (do not do this)

  • Assuming registration mean automatic permission

  • Flying after approval expires

  • Flying outside the approved area

  • Flying during restricted hours

  • Relying on online maps instead of the CAAT system

 

These are the most common reasons for fines, confiscation, and legal action.

Flying legally in Thailand is manageable —
but not simple.

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Multiple systems, language barriers, location-specific rules, and per-flight approvals make self-management risky for short-term visitors.

 

TDS supports tourists with:

 

  • End-to-end CAAT & NBTC handling

  • Insurance setup and validation

  • Flight permission guidance for sensitive areas

  • Clear, compliant flight planning

 

Next step:

After Your Trip

Learn how to:

 

  • Export records

  • Close or maintain CAAT accounts

  • Prepare for future visits to Thailand

 

Continue to: After Your Trip

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This information is provided for regulatory guidance only. Final approval and enforcement remain with the relevant Thai authorities.

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