Drone flight regulations relaxed for all varieties, taking effect from August 16, according to CAAT.
Thailand Lifts Temporary Drone Ban with Strict Conditions
After a two-week ban due to national security concerns, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has announced the lifting of the nationwide drone ban effective from August 16, 2025. However, strict conditions have been set for drone operations until August 31, 2025.
The ban, which was in place from July 30 to August 15, 2025, was requested by security agencies to mitigate risks to national security and safety due to the unrest along the Thai-Cambodian border.
Under the new rules, drone flights are permitted nationwide except in specifically designated no-fly zones. These include the provinces of Buri Ram, Si Sa Ket, Surin, Ubon Ratchathani, Sa Kaeo, Trat, Chanthaburi; plus the Sattahip District of Chon Buri and the Mueang District of Rayong.
Flights must occur only between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.; all night flights remain prohibited. Advance notification of flights is required at least three days prior through the CAAT’s “UAS Portal” mobile application or web portal. Drone operators must select the flight area on the map (avoiding restricted zones), drone model, and flight dates, then submit for CAAT approval.
After receiving CAAT approval, operators must notify the Anti-Drone Centre, Metropolitan Police Bureau by emailing [email protected] before the flight. Before starting and after completing a flight, operators must use the UAS Portal app to press “Start Flight” and “End Flight” buttons respectively.
Special flight requests, such as flights outside permitted hours or restricted areas, must be submitted and approved separately by CAAT. Flying drones without complying with these conditions may result in legal penalties under the Air Navigation Act, including fines and imprisonment. Military personnel are authorized to take down unauthorized drones deemed a national security threat.
The CAAT has coordinated with security agencies to lift the ban on all drone types under these specified conditions. The authority thanked drone operators for their compliance with security agency requests in recent weeks and reaffirmed its commitment to listening to user feedback to improve the drone registration and approval systems.
Drone registration remains free, and operators in areas not designated as no-fly zones may request to operate under conditions different from the stated regulations, by seeking permission from CAAT via the UAS Portal. The CAAT calls on all agricultural drone operators to register their drones and operators through the UAS Portal, as part of preparations for the upcoming regulatory changes.
The relaxation of drone flight restrictions in Thailand is aimed at restoring normalcy in daily life and business activities. The CAAT emphasizes the importance of providing details such as the date, time, location, description of the drone, and photographs or video footage (if available) when reporting drone violations or security risks. The public is encouraged to report any drone use that may violate regulations or pose a security risk.
- With the resumption of drone operations in Thailand due to lifting of the ban, businesses and transport sectors may now leverage technology-driven drone services in their operations, while adhering to stricter guidelines set by CAAT.
- In the spirit of promoting safety and security, sports enthusiasts should be mindful that drone usage in sensitive regions, such as those near the Thai-Cambodian border, remains restricted, and Non-compliance may lead to legal penalties mandated by the Air Navigation Act.
