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Bangkok, 29 June 2026, 14.30 Hrs. GMT+7 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) advises visitors that drone operations are now permitted in most areas of Thailand, provided operators are properly registered and comply with Thai aviation rules.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has issued Notice No. 16 on drone operations in areas that may affect national security during the Thai–Cambodian border situation. The notice, effective from 26 June 2026 until further notice, further relaxes special drone restrictions following continued assessment with national security agencies.

For visitors, this means drone use is generally possible in most destinations nationwide, but only after proper registration, insurance, and flight approval. Restrictions remain in selected border districts where security-related measures are still required.

Drone operations remain prohibited in controlled districts in seven border provinces, except where specifically approved by CAAT for limited purposes.

Controlled districts where drone flights remain restricted

– Ubon Ratchathani: Khemarat, Na Tan, Pho Sai, Si Mueang Mai, Khong Chiam, Sirindhorn, Buntharik, Na Chaluai, and Nam Yuen Districts– Si Sa Ket: Phu Sing, Khun Han, and Kantharalak Districts– Surin: Phanom Dong Rak, Kap Choeng, Sangkha, and Bua Chet Districts– Buri Ram: Lahan Sai and Ban Kruat Districts– Sa Kaeo: Khlong Hat, Aranyaprathet, Khok Sung, and Ta Phraya Districts– Chanthaburi: Mueang Chanthaburi, Soi Dao, and Pong Nam Ron Districts– Trat: Mueang Trat, Khlong Yai, and Bo Rai Districts

In these controlled districts, CAAT may consider specific permission for drone operations related to agriculture, disaster prevention and relief, urgent action to prevent damage to life or property, or authorised law-enforcement duties by government agencies. Such operations must also receive approval from the area owner or responsible local authority and comply with all conditions set by CAAT.

Requirements for visitors operating drones

Visitors who wish to fly a drone in Thailand must ensure that both the drone and operator are properly registered and authorised under Thai law before any flight. Requirements include operator registration, aircraft registration stating the purpose of use, compulsory insurance, and flight approval through the UAS Portal before each operation.

Flight details, including the area, date, time, and purpose, must be submitted to CAAT at least three days in advance through the UAS Portal: uasportal.caat.or.th. Operators must also notify the Anti-Drone Centre, Metropolitan Police Bureau, by email at antidrone.police@gmail.com before each approved flight.

Drone flights must comply with all conditions stated in the CAAT approval and other applicable Thai drone regulations. Visitors should also check airport-related rules, national park requirements, local restrictions, and any site-specific conditions before flying.

In the controlled districts listed above, recreational or tourism-related drone flights are not generally permitted unless specifically authorised by CAAT and the relevant area owner or responsible agency.

Government agency operations

Military, police, customs, agriculture, natural resources and environment, and intelligence agencies may operate drones under their legal mandate. Where required, government agencies operating in controlled areas must notify CAAT, the Anti-Drone Centre, local security units, and relevant area owners or responsible authorities in advance.

Reporting violations

Violations are punishable by imprisonment of up to one year, a fine of up to 40,000 Baht, or both. Authorised military or security agencies may also take enforcement action against drones that violate the notice, including the use of anti-drone systems where necessary.

Members of the public may report unlawful drone activity by providing the date, time, location, drone description, and any available photos or videos to one of the following channels:

– CAAT – Unmanned Aircraft Standards and Technology DivisionTel: +66 (0) 2568 8851 | Email: uas_us@caat.or.th

– Anti-Drone Centre, Metropolitan Police BureauTel: +66 (0) 2126 7846 | Email: antidrone.police@gmail.com

– Local security units, including the nearest police station, military base, or relevant authority

CAAT continues to monitor the situation with national security agencies to ensure that drone regulation remains appropriate, while balancing public and business use with national security and safety requirements. Visitors planning to use drones in Thailand are advised to check the latest CAAT guidance before each flight and strictly follow all approval conditions.

Essential Drone Registration and Flight Rules in Thailand

As drone technology becomes more advanced and accessible, many travellers bring drones to capture aerial views of their destinations. With its natural beauty and cultural landmarks, Thailand is a prime location for drone photography. However, flying a drone in Thailand is governed by strict legal requirements.

All drones—officially classified as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles—must be registered and operated in full compliance with national aviation regulations. Violations may result in fines, imprisonment, or confiscation of equipment.

This guide outlines the key procedures and legal obligations for registering and flying drones lawfully in Thailand.

Import and Registration Requirements

Drones may be brought into Thailand but cannot be operated legally until registered with both the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT).

The NBTC handles drone ownership and radio frequency registration via anyregis.nbtc.go.th. CAAT manages registration for both the drone and its operator and issues the required drone pilot certificate via the UAS Portal: uasportal.caat.or.th.

Registration with a single agency alone is insufficient. Both NBTC and CAAT registration are mandatory for the legal operation of drones.

Which Drones Require Registration

All drones must be registered with NBTC, regardless of weight or use.

CAAT registration is additionally required for drones equipped with cameras or recording devices, drones weighing over two kilograms but under twenty-five kilograms, and all drones exceeding twenty-five kilograms. The latter must also receive written approval from the Minister of Transport.

Pre-Flight Procedures and Certification

Before operating a drone in Thailand, operators are encouraged to review applicable regulations and complete CAAT’s online knowledge test through the UAS Portal. Though optional in some cases, the test ensures familiarity with Thai airspace rules.

Drones must be insured with third-party liability coverage of at least one million Thai Baht. Insurance may be arranged locally or abroad.

Upon arrival in Thailand, a Thai SIM card is required to initiate registration via the UAS Portal. The process includes account creation, identity verification via a one-time password, and submission of documents for both drone and operator registration.

To obtain a drone pilot certificate, operators must pass an online exam. If the exam is not passed, it may be retaken after a 24-hour waiting period. Once approved, the certificate remains valid for two years. A registration number will be issued and must be visibly displayed on the drone. Labels must use a font size of at least 3 mm for drones weighing less than 25 kg, and at least 25 mm for those weighing more than 25 kg.

Rules for Flying Drones in Thailand

Drone operation is regulated by CAAT’s safety and airspace guidelines. Drones must not endanger life, property, or public peace. Flights over urban areas, gatherings, or near government buildings, hospitals, military zones, or restricted areas (as designated in the Aeronautical Information Publication – Thailand) are prohibited unless authorised. Takeoff and landing zones must be unobstructed.

Flights are permitted only during daylight hours, in clear weather, and within visual line of sight. The use of first-person view or onboard cameras alone for navigation is not permitted. Flying into or near cloud cover is prohibited.

Drones may not operate within nine kilometres of an airport or temporary airfield without prior approval. The transport of hazardous materials, including laser devices, is strictly forbidden.

Minimum safe distances must be maintained: 30 metres for drones weighing under 2 kilograms and 50 metres for drones weighing between 2 and 25 kilograms.

Any drone-related incident must be reported immediately to CAAT via phone at +66 2 568 8851 or email at uav@caat.or.th. Special operations—such as night flights, flights above 90 metres, or entry into restricted zones—require prior written approval via uas_u@caat.or.th.

Contact Information

National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC)For drone ownership and radio frequency registrationAddress: 87 Phaholyothin Soi 8, Samsen Nai, Phaya Thai, Bangkok 10400, ThailandPhone: +66 2 670 8888Call Center: 1200 (within Thailand)Website: www.nbtc.go.thDrone Registration Portal: https://anyregis.nbtc.go.th

Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT)For drone and pilot registration and flight regulation complianceAddress: 222 Vibhavadi Rangsit Soi 28, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, ThailandPhone: +66 2 568 8851Email: uav@caat.or.thFor special operations: uas_u@caat.or.thWebsite: www.caat.or.thDrone Registration Portal: https://uasportal.caat.or.th

The post Flying a Drone in Thailand – Updated Guide for Tourists appeared first on TAT Newsroom.

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Bangkok, 29 June 2026 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) organised the Amazing Thailand Roadshow to South Africa 2026 from 22 to 26 June across Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town, with Emirates as key airline partner. The activity supported TAT’s quality-led long-haul market strategy by connecting Thai tourism sellers with South African travel companies, expanding trade networks, presenting updated tourism products, and stimulating demand for meaningful travel to Thailand.

The roadshow brought together 20 Thai tourism sellers for tabletop sales sessions, market briefings, product presentations, business matching, and networking activities. It aimed to create at least 1,800 business appointments, support new partnerships, and strengthen Thailand’s visibility among South African travel professionals as the market continues to show positive recovery and strong interest in long-haul travel.

Mrs. Chiravadee Khunsub, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa, said, “South Africa is one of Thailand’s most valued long-haul markets in Africa, with travellers who show loyalty, curiosity, and strong interest in journeys combining beaches, city life, nature, culture, wellness, cuisine, and premium lifestyle experiences. Through this roadshow, TAT is deepening cooperation with South African travel partners, helping Thai sellers respond more closely to market demand, and working with Emirates to reinforce connectivity. These efforts align with TAT’s Value over Volume strategy and the newest global campaign, Unforgettable Experiences — Healing is the New Luxury, positioning Thailand as a destination for restorative, meaningful, and memorable travel.”

The Johannesburg session, held on 22 June at the NH Hotel Johannesburg, opened the programme with seller registration and a seller briefing, then welcomed buyers for Thailand product updates, an Emirates product presentation, and business matching. The session was attended by Mr. Kittipod Hongsombud, Minister, Royal Thai Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa, reflecting broader support for Thailand’s tourism engagement in the market.

The programme continued in Durban on 24 June at The Capital Pearls Durban and concludes in Cape Town on 26 June at InterContinental Table Bay Cape Town by IHG. Across all three cities, South African travel professionals received updated destination information, product knowledge, and direct access to Thai sellers, while networking activities created further opportunities for business development and future sales cooperation.

The 20 participating Thai sellers represented a broad mix of destinations and products. Phuket accounted for half of the delegation, followed by Bangkok, while Krabi, Hua Hin, Khao Sok, Ko Samui, and Pattaya were also represented. By business category, hotels and resorts formed the largest group, supported by destination management companies and other tourism service providers.

Emirates’ participation strengthened the roadshow’s connectivity message, highlighting access between South Africa and Thailand via major global hubs. The partnership supported TAT’s efforts to bring Thai tourism products closer to South African travellers and encourage stronger travel conversion from one of Africa’s leading outbound markets.

South Africa remains Thailand’s largest source market in Sub-Saharan Africa. In 2025, Thailand welcomed 72,418 South African visitors, up 6.61% year-on-year, while arrivals from Africa reached 196,984, up 17.96%. Early 2026 figures also showed continued momentum, with 8,912 arrivals from South Africa from 1 January to 28 February, up 4.72% year-on-year.

South African travellers continue to show strong interest in Thailand’s beaches, city experiences, cuisine, cultural attractions, wellness, nature, shopping, and multi-destination itineraries. The Amazing Thailand Roadshow to South Africa 2026 responds to these travel patterns by equipping local trade partners with updated products and deeper market knowledge, while supporting TAT’s quality-led direction for long-haul growth.

The post Amazing Thailand Roadshow to South Africa 2026 deepens tourism trade ties appeared first on TAT Newsroom.