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Thailand Drone Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) Areas

  • Writer: thailanddroneinsur
    thailanddroneinsur
  • Dec 27, 2025
  • 3 min read

What Tourists Must Know Before Operating a Drone During the Border Security Situation



CAAT Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) map showing restricted drone areas in Thailand during the border security situation, effective 27 December 2025


Thailand has implemented stricter Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) for drone operations in areas related to national security and energy infrastructure. These restrictions apply to all drone operators, including tourists and foreign visitors, regardless of drone size or purpose.


Failure to comply with CAAT regulations may result in criminal penalties, even if the violation is unintentional. Tourists are therefore strongly advised to check the latest official updates before operating a drone in Thailand.



Thailand Drone Temporary Flight Restriction – CAAT Announcement No. 14


The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has issued Announcement No. 14 (B.E. 2568) regarding the prohibition of operating unmanned aircraft (drones) in areas that may affect national security during the Thai–Cambodian border situation.


This announcement came into force on 27 December 2025 and remains effective until further notice or replacement by a subsequent announcement. The measure follows continued security assessments after the enforcement of Announcement No. 13.



Areas Where Drone Flights Are Strictly Prohibited


Provincial-Level Security Areas


Drone operations are strictly prohibited in areas with provincial-level ground security deployment in the following 7 provinces:


Chanthaburi, Trat, Sa Kaeo, Buriram, Sisaket, Surin, and Ubon Ratchathani



District-Level Operational Areas


Drone flights are prohibited in the following districts due to ongoing security operations:



Sattahip District (Chonburi)

Ban Chang District (Rayong)



Airport Control Zones


Drone operations are prohibited within a 9-kilometre radius (5 nautical miles) of 13 designated airports.



For airports not listed in the announcement, any drone flight within a 9-kilometre radius still requires prior permission from the airport owner or operator.



Additional Restricted Areas (Energy and Security Sensitive)


Additional areas have been designated as restricted by authorities responsible for administration, energy security, and national security.



These include, but are not limited to:


  • All districts in Nakhon Ratchasima

  • Selected districts in Chonburi, Rayong, and Chachoengsao

  • Ban Laem District (Phetchaburi)

  • Mueang District (Samut Songkhram)

  • Mueang District (Samut Sakhon)



Conditions for Drone Operations (Where Permitted)


In areas where drone operations are not prohibited, operators must comply with all CAAT conditions.



These include:


  • Registration of both the drone pilot and the drone with CAAT

  • Submission of a flight permission request at least 3 days in advance

  • Requests must be submitted via the CAAT UAS Portal (uasportal.caat.or.th)

  • Maximum flight altitude of 90 metres (300 feet) above ground level

  • Permitted flight time between 06:00 and 18:00 only



Flights between 04:01–05:59 or 18:01–24:00 require special approval, while flights between 00:01–04:00 are strictly prohibited in all cases.




Mandatory Pre-Flight Notification


After receiving flight approval, operators must notify CAAT before every flight with details of the location, date, time, and purpose.



Operators must also notify the Anti-Drone Coordination Centre via email at antidrone.police@gmail.com. Any deviation from approved conditions requires additional authorization through the CAAT UAS Portal.



Ongoing and Real-Time Security Updates


Drone-related restrictions and Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) areas in Thailand are dynamic and may be changed at any time without prior notice.


All drone operators, including tourists and foreign visitors, must check the latest official CAAT updates before every flight to ensure compliance with current restrictions.


All announcements are based on continuous situation evaluations conducted jointly by national security authorities, including:


  • The Royal Thai Armed Forces

  • The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF)

  • The Royal Thai Navy (RTN)

  • The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT)



Restrictions may be expanded, reduced, or modified depending on security assessments.



Penalties for Non-Compliance


Any person who violates CAAT Announcement No. 14 may face criminal penalties.



These include imprisonment for up to 1 year, a fine of up to 40,000 THB, or both. In necessary situations, authorized security agencies may deploy anti-drone countermeasures.



Reporting Suspicious or Illegal Drone Activity


Members of the public who observe drone activity that may violate these restrictions should report the incident immediately.



Reports can be made to:




What Tourists Should Do Before Flying a Drone


Tourists should never assume that a location is safe for drone flight, even if it appears remote or is commonly visited.



Always check the latest CAAT announcements and monitor official CAAT communication channels, including the CAAT Facebook page and the CAAT UAS Portal, before every flight.


CAAT Facebook (official): https://www.facebook.com/CAATThailand

When in doubt, do not fly.



Official Reference


Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand Announcement No. 14 (B.E. 2568)


Prohibition of Operating Unmanned Aircraft in Areas Affecting National Security










 
 
 

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