Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs):
What Every Pilot Must Check Before Flying
Issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) in coordination with
the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF), Royal Thai Police (RTP), and National Security Agencies
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) are short-term airspace bans or limitations issued for public safety, national security, or emergency response.
TFRs are declared by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF), or other security agencies.
They may apply to specific altitudes, radii, or time periods — and can temporarily close areas that are normally open to drone operations.
Definition
A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) means a temporary prohibition or limitation of drone operations in designated airspace.
These restrictions ensure safety, coordination, and national security during critical or sensitive situations such as royal ceremonies, emergencies, or border conflicts
Current High-Security TFR Zone: Thailand–Cambodia Border Area
Due to the ongoing Thailand–Cambodia border crisis, all civil and recreational drone operations are strictly prohibited in affected provinces.
The restriction covers both Thai nationals and foreign visitors.
This measure is part of CAAT’s and RTAF’s joint security operation to prevent illegal aerial surveillance and unknown drone intrusions along the border.
Affected Provinces:
• Trat Province — including Koh Chang, Koh Kood, and nearby maritime zones.
• Chanthaburi Province — coastal and mountain areas near the border.
• Sa Kaeo Province — all districts adjoining the border.
• Buriram, Surin, Sisaket, and Ubon Ratchathani — high-alert zones in the northeast region.
• Adjacent military or police-controlled areas in Rayong, Prachinburi, and Nakhon Ratchasima.
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Status:
CAAT and RTAF have issued a full flight prohibition for all civil drones in these provinces until further notice.
Duration: Indefinite — remains active until official announcement of cancellation.
Authority: CAAT / RTAF / Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC)
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Important:
Unauthorized drone activity in these provinces may be treated as a national security violation. All drone operations remain strictly prohibited in border provinces until further CAAT notice.
Violators may face criminal prosecution, fines, or permanent confiscation of equipment.
Common TFR Situations in Thailand
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) are short-term airspace limits for safety, national events, VIP movements, or emergencies. They can apply to specific altitudes or areas—always check before flying.
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Royal Ceremonies
Coronations, processions, or royal visits.
Duration: 1–3 days Area: 3–10 km radius Authority: CAAT / RTAF
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National Events & Festivals
Air shows, parades, or fireworks.
Duration: 1–2 days Authority: CAAT / Local orders
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Emergency or Disaster Response
Floods, wildfires, rescue operations.
Access: Authorized responders only
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Security or Police Operations
Government or protest zones under control.
Duration: As declared by CAAT or security agencies
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VIP Movements & State Visits
Visits by the Prime Minister, Royal Family, or foreign leaders.
Duration: Few hours Area: Set by RTAF / CAAT
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Construction or Filming Zones
Temporary closures near cranes, aerial shoots, or public events.
Duration: As listed in NOTAMs or local permits
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Border or Crisis Restrictions
Applied during national or regional security tension such as the Thailand–Cambodia border crisis. All drone operations in affected provinces are prohibited until further notice.
Authority: CAAT / RTAF / Security Agencies
(Refer to linked document for details)
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Before You Fly
• Check NOTAMs at uasportal.caat.or.th
• Confirm local authority orders
• If unsure → get written approval or avoid area
• Carry NBTC / CAAT / insurance documents
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Legal Note
Flying in a TFR without approval can result in fines, aircraft seizure, or criminal penalties.
How to Check TFRs Before Flight
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Visit the CAAT UAS Portal
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Review NOTAMs (Notice to Airmen) and active airspace maps.
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Check for special CAAT or RTAF announcements about border restrictions.
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Confirm with local police, district office, or airport authorities if uncertain.
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Keep NBTC and CAAT registration, pilot license, and insurance documents ready for inspection.
Penalties for Violation
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Operating a drone within an active TFR area without permission may result in:
• Fine or imprisonment under the CAAT Regulation on UAS Operations.
• Immediate confiscation of aircraft and related equipment.
• Permanent suspension of CAAT pilot license or registration.
• Possible charges under National Security and Telecommunications Acts
Note for Visitors and Tourists
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Even small recreational drones (e.g., DJI Mini, Air, Avata, etc.) are not exempt from this regulation.
Foreign visitors must comply with both CAAT and NBTC laws.
Do not fly near beaches, border checkpoints, or national parks in affected provinces — especially Koh Chang, Koh Kood, Chanthaburi, and Trat coastlines.
Official Reference
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For the latest status and map of restricted border provinces, refer to:
CAAT Official Notice: “Temporary Ban of Drone Flights in Thailand–Cambodia Border Area” (Effective until further notice) and
RTAF Airspace Security Announcement – Eastern and Northeastern Defense Sectors