Drone Rules Koh Samui: Can Tourists Fly Legally on the Island?

Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao offer some of the most spectacular coastal landscapes in Thailand. Naturally, many travelers bring drones hoping to capture aerial footage of tropical beaches, turquoise water, and dramatic island scenery.

However, flying a drone in the Samui area is not as simple as launching it from the beach.

Unlike some other tourist destinations in Thailand, Koh Samui sits within a more complex airspace environment that includes a commercial airport and nearby Royal Thai Air Force training zones.

Because of this, drone flights must follow a structured approval process before takeoff.

In general, a tourist who wants to fly a drone legally in Koh Samui must complete three key steps:

1. Register the drone and pilot under Thailand’s aviation regulations

2. Obtain flight approval through the UAS Portal system

3. Ensure the flight area is clear of airport and military airspace restrictions

Once these steps are followed, tourists can legally operate drones in many parts of Koh Samui and the surrounding islands.

First Requirement: Register the Drone and Pilot

Before any drone flight in Thailand, operators must complete the required registrations under national aviation regulations.

Most camera drones require:

• CAAT drone registration

• NBTC radio equipment registration

• Drone liability insurance (minimum coverage 1 million THB)

These registrations ensure that both the drone and the operator are legally recognized within Thailand’s aviation system.

However, registration alone does not allow immediate flight.

Drone operators must still obtain approval for each operation before flying.

The Next Step: Flight Approval Through the UAS Portal

Thailand manages drone operations through the CAAT UAS Portal system.

After completing the required registrations, drone pilots must request flight authorization for each operation.

In practical use, drone pilots normally use the UAS Portal mobile application to:

• check the airspace map

• verify whether a location is restricted

• submit a flight request

• confirm the start and end of operation

This system allows aviation authorities to monitor drone activities and ensure safe integration with other airspace users.

Important Clarification: UAS Portal Website vs UAS Portal App

Many drone pilots become confused because the name UAS Portal refers to two different tools.

CAAT UAS Portal Website

The UAS Portal website is the main administrative platform used for:

• drone registration

• pilot license or exam records

• operator account management

UAS Portal Mobile Application

The UAS Portal mobile app is the operational tool used by drone pilots in the field.

The app allows pilots to:

• view airspace restrictions

• request flight approval

• confirm start and end of drone operations

This is the system most tourists will use when flying drones in Thailand.

Drone Rules Koh Samui for Tourists: Flying Near Samui Airport

Samui International Airport (ICAO: VTSM) is located on the northeastern part of Koh Samui, near Bo Phut and Chaweng Beach.

Because of aviation safety regulations, drone flights must generally remain at least 9 kilometers away from the airport unless special authorization is granted.

This means many areas on the northern and eastern sides of the island — including Chaweng, Bo Phut, Bang Rak, and areas near the airport flight path — may fall within restricted airspace.

Drone pilots planning to fly in Koh Samui should always check the UAS Portal airspace map before operating to confirm whether flight approval is available.

Where Drone Flights Are Easier on Koh Samui

Because Samui International Airport (VTSM) is located on the northeastern side of the island, airspace restrictions mainly affect the north and east coast of Koh Samui.

In general, drone operations are more restricted near the airport flight paths and easier in areas farther away from the airport.

East and North Coast (More Restricted)

The airport runway is located near Bo Phut and Chaweng, and aircraft approaches often pass over the eastern side of the island.

Areas that may fall within airport-controlled airspace include:

• Chaweng Beach

• Bang Rak

• Bo Phut

• Choeng Mon

• areas near the airport approach corridor

In these locations, the UAS Portal may apply altitude restrictions or require additional approval.

Drone pilots should carefully verify the airspace map before flying.

West and Southwest Coast (Usually Easier)

The western side of Koh Samui is generally farther away from the airport and may offer more favorable conditions for drone flights, depending on the exact location.

Areas commonly farther from airport approach paths include:

• Lipa Noi

• Taling Ngam

• Laem Sor

• parts of the southwest coastline

These locations are often outside the main airport traffic corridor, which may increase the likelihood of obtaining approval through the UAS Portal.

However, pilots must still check the airspace map before every flight.

Royal Thai Air Force Training Airspace

Another important factor around Koh Samui and the surrounding islands is the presence of Royal Thai Air Force training zones in the Surat Thani region.

According to Thailand’s Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP ENR 5.1), several military training areas exist in the Gulf of Thailand:

• VTD59 Surat Thani

• VTD60 Surat Thani

• VTD61 Surat Thani

These zones are designated for RTAF flying training and high-speed maneuvering activities.

Training activities typically occur:

• Monday to Friday

• between 2300 – 1700 UTC

• or as activated by NOTAM

Airspace coordination is handled by:

Wing 7 Air Traffic Control Branch — Surat Thani Air Force Base

If these training areas are active, drone flights may require permission or coordination with the Royal Thai Air Force authorities at Wing 7 Surat Thani.

In most cases, the UAS Portal system will manage airspace approval automatically. Drone pilots simply submit their flight request through the application and follow the instructions provided by the system.

However, if a flight is planned near active military training areas, the UAS Portal may recommend that the operator coordinate with the responsible air traffic authority before conducting the flight.

For training areas in the Surat Thani region, coordination may involve:

Wing 7 Air Traffic Control Branch

Royal Thai Air Force Base

Surat Thani, Thailand

Operational contact telephone:

+66 2 534 6000 ext. 65556, 65513

In such cases, drone pilots should follow the instructions indicated in the UAS Portal system and contact the responsible authority if required.

Flying Around Koh Phangan and Koh Tao

Nearby islands such as Koh Phangan and Koh Tao do not have commercial airports, but they are still located within the broader aviation environment associated with:

• Samui Airport operations

• Surat Thani regional airspace

• RTAF training zones

Drone pilots should therefore always check the UAS Portal airspace map before flying on these islands.

Approval may depend on the specific location and current airspace activity.

Other Locations Where Drone Flights May Be Restricted

Even outside airport and military airspace, drone flights may not be allowed in certain areas.

Examples include:

• national parks and marine protected areas

• government facilities

• military installations

• crowded beaches

• large public gatherings

Drone flights over crowds are not permitted under Thailand’s aviation safety regulations.

Confirm Start and End of Operation

After receiving approval, drone pilots should confirm their flight operation within the UAS Portal system.

Typical workflow:

1. select the operation location

2. submit flight request

3. receive approval

4. confirm start of operation

5. conduct the flight

6. confirm completion of operation

This ensures the flight is properly recorded within Thailand’s airspace management system.

Practical Workflow for Tourists Flying in Samui

Before flying, tourists should understand the drone rules Koh Samui for recreational and aerial photography flights. required registrations, the legal flight process usually follows these steps:

1. Open the UAS Portal app

2. Check the airspace map

3. Confirm the area is not restricted

4. Submit a flight request

5. Wait for approval

6. Confirm start of operation

7. Conduct the flight

8. Confirm end of operation

Because of airport and military airspace in the region, approval around Koh Samui may not always be instant.

Can Tourists Fly Drones in Koh Samui?

Yes. Tourists can legally fly drones in Koh Samui and the surrounding islands when they follow Thailand’s drone regulations and obtain flight approval through the UAS Portal.

However, compared with some other destinations, the Samui region requires additional awareness due to:

• Samui International Airport airspace

• Royal Thai Air Force training zones near Surat Thani

• possible coordination with Wing 7 Surat Thani Air Force Base

Drone pilots should always verify airspace conditions before flying to ensure safe and legal operations.