New Drone Rules in Thailand Require Pilot License and Registration
New drone regulations in Thailand require pilot licensing and drone registration before you can take your drone home.
Key Points
- 1Purchasing a drone in Thailand requires NBTC registration and CAAT pilot licensing.
- 2Online test and documentation submission needed to get a Basic Drone Pilot Certificate.
- 3Drone registration requires passport, visa, Thai phone number, address, and liability insurance.
- 4Strict penalties apply for unregistered drones or flying without a license, including fines and jail time.
If you're planning to buy a drone like the new DJI Avata 360 on Koh Samui or anywhere in Thailand, be prepared for some new regulations. Buying a drone no longer means you can just take it home right away. After purchase, the store will hold the drone until you complete a personal registration with the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC).
To get the drone released, you must first obtain a pilot license from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT). This involves registering online, submitting a passport photo, visa or entry stamp, and proof of address in Thailand. You then take an online test of about 40 questions to earn a Basic Drone Pilot Certificate, which is valid for two years.
Registering the drone itself also requires your passport, visa page, Thai phone number, address, and drone liability insurance. The store usually helps with the registration process, and insurance is often included in the drone's price. Approval can take several days, so plan ahead if you want to fly soon after purchase.
Keep in mind, having a license doesn't mean you can fly anywhere freely. Thailand imposes flight restrictions in certain zones, such as national parks, where special permits may be needed. All drones with cameras must be registered regardless of size or weight. Penalties for flying unregistered drones or without a license are steep, with fines up to 100,000 baht and possible jail time. Many drone users on the island fly responsibly and avoid trouble by respecting these rules.
