Bringing Drones to Thailand for Foreigners

With the fast growing popularity of drones, advancements in the technology they use and their increasing consumer accessibility, more tourists now want to take their drones on holiday with them. Like various other popular spots around the world, Thailand has in place certain rules and regulations concerning the bringing of drones – also known as unmanned aerial vehicles or remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) – into the country, and their use while here. The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) announced that all drones using in Thailand need to be registered. 

How to register:

The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) or drones are regulated in Thailand. Those who wish to use them have to register.

Foreign travellers visiting Thailand also have to comply with the regulations as stipulated in the Announcement of the Ministry of Transport.

Foreigners who are 18 years of age or above wishing to use drone have to submit the following documents by email to [email protected]; and [email protected] 

- UAV Registration Application Form

- Consent to the Disclosure of Personal Information

- Self-Declaration Form

- Copy of valid passport

- Copy of work permit, or residence in Thailand, or visa to enter Thailand, or immigration stamp (whichever is applicable)

- Detail of an insurance against damage arising from bodily harm, loss of life, as well as damage to an asset of third party with insurance coverage of at least 1 million Baht (approx. 27,000 eur)

Note:

1. Normally, it will take 1-2 weeks to get approval. It is sugggested users register their UAVs prior to their arrival in Thailand. For those who are entitled to 30-day tourist visa exemption scheme and does not have a proof of residence until after their arrival in Thailand, they can submit a copy of their immigration stamp as additional supporting document to [email protected]; and [email protected] in order to complete the registration. 

2. On the detail of the UAV in the registration form, please specify the weight of the UAV (in Kgs) up to 3 decimal places.

3. Check the permitted area on UAS Portal application.

For more information, please visit the website of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) at https://www.caat.or.th/en/archives/27220