🇹🇭 Country Profile: Drones in Thailand

Overview of authorities, regulation, market, initiatives, and outlook.

Contents

1. General Information
2. Regulatory Framework
3. Market & Industry
4. Assessment & Outlook
5. Appendix

1. General Information

Country / ISO / Capital

Kingdom of Thailand (TH / THA) – Bangkok

Population / Economy

~70 million; strong tourism, agriculture, and electronics sectors

Technological Infrastructure

Digital strategy supported by the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA)

Geographical Characteristics

Islands, coastlines, agricultural plains, mountain regions – ideal for drone operations

Industrial Strengths

Electronics, automotive supply, agriculture, and (partially) aerospace & defense

2. Regulatory Framework

Authorities

• CAAT – Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (civil aviation regulation)
• NBTC – National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (frequency and radio licensing)
• Other actors: Police / Anti-Drone Center, National Parks, local security authorities

Legal Basis & Key Rules

• Registration: Required for drones equipped with cameras or above certain weight thresholds (CAAT and NBTC).
• Flight Operations: Maximum altitude approx. 90 m AGL; night operations generally prohibited unless specially approved.
• Over 25 kg: Requires explicit approval from the Ministry of Transport.
• U-Space / BVLOS: Allowed only in specific pilot areas with prior authorization.
• National Parks: Separate permits from park authorities required.

Permit Process (Summary)

1. Register the aircraft (NBTC / CAAT)
2. Provide insurance and operator credentials
3. Request operational approval (e.g. BVLOS or restricted areas)
4. Comply with local airspace and time-window restrictions

Penalties

Violations can result in fines up to several tens of thousands of THB or imprisonment. Always check the latest official guidance before operating.

3. Market & Industry

Market Size & Trends

• Strong growth in agricultural drones (spraying, fertilizing), inspection, mapping, and public-safety uses.
• Rapid professionalization and increasing test fields and pilot zones.

Associations & Networks

• Drone Association Thailand – industry network, training, policy representation
• RASAT – Royal Aeronautic Sports Association of Thailand (model & recreational flight)
• International cooperation with global UAV federations

Key Stakeholders & Examples

• Manufacturers / system integrators (agriculture, inspection, logistics)
• Service providers (mapping, training, security)
• Research & defense: Defence Technology Institute (DTI)

Governmental Initiatives

• DEPA programs supporting digital economy and smart agriculture / smart city use cases
• Regulatory easing for agricultural drones (since Aug 2025) under strict conditions

4. Assessment & Outlook

5. Appendix

Key Contact Points

• CAAT – Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand
• NBTC – National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission
• Drone Association Thailand – industry association & training
• National Park Administrations – local permit offices

Update Note

Regulations may change at short notice (e.g. temporary notices). Always verify current CAAT and NBTC information before any drone operation in Thailand.

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