VTP / VTR / VTD Zones in Thailand
Airspace classifications every drone pilot must understand
before flight operations.
Illustrative visualization of airspace control and monitoring relevant to Thailand’s restricted flight zones
Thailand classifies airspace into designated control zones that directly affect whether drone operations are permitted, restricted, or prohibited. Understanding VTD, VTR, and VTP zones is mandatory before submitting any flight-permission request through CAAT’s UAS system.
VTD — Very Dangerous Area
VTD zones involve military or high-risk aviation activities such as live-fire exercises, weapons testing, training maneuvers, or classified air operations. These areas present extreme operational hazards and are generally closed to civilian drone use.
-
Overseen by the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF)
-
Drone flights normally not permitted due to dangerous aviation activity
-
Requires high-level RTAF clearance, not issued to general drone pilots
-
Unauthorized entry into a VTD may result in severe penalties, investigation, or interdiction
-
UAS Portal will flag VTD areas as no-fly for civilian operators
VTR — Very Restricted Area
VTR zones are controlled airspace where drone operations are restricted due to safety, population density, or aviation-related concerns. Flights may be permitted, but only with full CAAT approval through the UAS Portal.
-
Mandatory CAAT flight-permission approval required before operation
-
Includes controlled airspace around airports, strategic facilities, and government zones
-
Covers urban and densely populated areas, including Bangkok VTR-1 (approx. 19 km radius from Victory Monument)
-
Approval conditions may vary based on altitude, aircraft class, mission purpose, and operational risk
-
Unauthorized operations may result in investigation, penalties, or administrative action under CAAT regulations
VTP — Very Prohibited Area
VTP zones are designated airspace where all drone operations are strictly prohibited due to national-security, military, or critical-infrastructure protection requirements. No civilian flight approvals are issued under any circumstance.
-
Zero drone activity allowed — no exemptions for tourists, residents, or commercial operators
-
Used to protect royal premises, critical installations, intelligence sites, and high-security zones
-
Managed jointly by CAAT and relevant security agencies
-
Violations may trigger severe penalties, confiscation, and legal action
-
UAS Portal will automatically reject any flight request within a VTP zone
Explore Thailand’s Drone Restricted Tourist Zones
Many popular destinations fall within VTR or VTD zones. Pilots must check airspace classification before each flight and follow CAAT approval procedures..
-
Bangkok (VTR-1 Urban Zone)
-
Hua Hin (Civil Flight Training Zone)
-
Ko Tao / Champhon (Naval training areas)
-
Samui / Surat Thani (RTAF training zones)
-
Chiang Mai (High-speed military training areas)
How to Check & Request
Flight Approval (VTP / VTR / VTD)
Before flying in Thailand’s controlled airspace (VTP, VTR, VTD), pilots must use the CAAT UAS App to check zone classification and request authorization. Flights in red-coded restricted zones require approval from CAAT, RTAF, or RTN, while operations in green zones may be approved instantly through the app.
Step 1: Open the CAAT UAS App
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.
Step 2: Identify Zone Classification
Confirm if your area falls under VTP, VTR, or VTD.
Green areas indicate normal zones where flight is typically allowed without special permission.
Step 3: Submit Request for Restricted Zones
For restricted zones (red code), submit your flight request to the authorized agency —
RTAF, RTN, or CAAT.
These zones are sensitive airspaces (e.g., VTD or VTR-1 Bangkok) and normally take 3–5 working days for approval.
For areas outside NFZ (green code), flight requests may be approved instantly inside the CAAT UAS App.
Penalties for Unauthorized Flights
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
Mini-FAQ:
Flying in Controlled Airspace (VTP / VTR / VTD)
Q1: Do I need approval before flying in a VTP / VTR / VTD zone?
A: Yes. All drone flights inside controlled airspace require CAAT authorization through the CAAT UAS App before takeoff.
These zones cannot be flown without formal approval.
Q2: Can I fly near a military base or training area if it looks inactive?
A: No.
Military zones (especially VTD and some VTR) remain restricted even when activities appear inactive.
Unauthorized entry may result in criminal penalties and confiscation.
Q3: How long does CAAT flight approval take?
Typical timeframe:
• 3–5 business days for restricted zones (Red Code)
• Instant approval for normal zones (Green Code)
• Timing may vary based on agency workload and national-security screenings
Q4: What agency reviews my flight request?
The responsible agency depends on the specific restricted zone classification.
-
Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) reviews requests for VTD zones and for selected VTR zones with military activity.
-
Royal Thai Navy (RTN) reviews requests for coastal or naval training areas.
-
Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) reviews requests for civilian restricted airspace, including VTP airport perimeter zones and controlled airport environments.
Q5: What happens if my flight area is near an airport?
Areas around airports and runway approach paths are classified as VTP zones.
Flying here without approval is a criminal aviation offense.
Operators must check airspace via the CAAT UAS App before every operation.
Q6: Do tourist areas ever fall inside these zones?
Yes. Many famous destinations fall inside VTR-1 or VTD areas, including:
• Bangkok (VTR-1, 19 km radius from Victory Monument)
• Hua Hin
• Ko Tao
• Samui
• Kanchanaburi
• Rayong
• Ko Chang
Always verify the zone before flying.
Q7: What is the fastest way to check my flight zone?
Use the CAAT UAS App Airspace Map → search or zoom into your location.
Green = normal zone
Yellow/Orange = restricted
Red = prohibited / military activity
Q8: If I hold CAAT Pilot License & insurance, can I fly without requesting flight approval?
No.
Pilot license, insurance and UAV registration do not grant automatic permission.
Flight approval must be requested for every flight inside controlled zones.
Q9: Does CAAT approve flights at night?
Only in specific areas and only when the zone is not under military or security restrictions.
Approval depends on:
• Zone classification
• Mission type
• Risk assessment
Q10: What happens if I fly without approval?
Flying in restricted zones without authorization is a criminal offense under Thai aviation law.
Penalties include:
• Imprisonment: up to 1 year
• Fine: up to 100,000 THB
• Drone & equipment confiscation
TDS supports CAAT and NBTC registration to ensure pilots are eligible to request flight permissions, but does not submit VTP/VTR/VTD requests on behalf of operators.
Related No-Fly Zones & Restrictions
Depending on your flight location, additional restrictions may apply. Review related categories below: