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. This is not surprising, when you consider the spectacular holiday pictures and/or videos that can be taken from a flying drone with a camera attached.

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 in Thailand need to be registered. If not done, a drone’s owner could face a five-year jail term or a fine of up to 100,000 Baht.

Tourists can bring their drones into Thailand. However, they are not allowed to fly their drones here until they have registered their devices with the NBTC or the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT).

Also, if a drone is being brought into Thailand for commercial use, then permission must also be requested from CAAT.

The drone registration process requires the following: a signed copy of the applicant’s passport, a photo and the serial number of the drone, and two copies of the completed registration form.

Tourists will also want to familiarise themselves with the rules for flying drones in Thailand. Amongst the key points here are that drones:

• Must not be flown in a way that could cause harm to life and property, or disturb the peace, of others.
• Must be flown in line of sight at all times.
• Must not be flown over gatherings of people.
• Must not be flown near areas where there are piloted aircraft.
• Should not be used to violate the privacy of others.

For further information, please contact:
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission
Website: www.nbtc.go.th