The photos and videos captured by drones in Thailand that you see online are spectacular. The unusual perspectives — often difficult or impossible for people to access — make these shots truly exceptional. And since Thailand offers more than enough stunning locations, it’s very tempting to bring a drone with you.
Register your drone in Thailand so you can fly legally and with peace of mind. Here, I explain how the process works.
3-Step Registration
- Drone Insurance – Required for CAAT. Must have liability coverage of at least 1 million THB. Foreign insurance is accepted only if it meets CAAT’s strict requirements. Thai insurance speeds up approval. I recommend the drone insurance we use for our drone registration service.
- CAAT Registration – Only possible after arrival in Thailand. Requires a Thai SIM card, an online test with 40 questions, serial number of the drone, and insurance documents. Once approved, you receive a pilot license and drone ID. UAS-Portal
- NBTC Approval – Needed for all drones with a controller. You’ll need your entry stamp, passport, photos of the drone, and more. Apply online at anyregis.nbtc.go.th.
Key Points
- Flying unregistered drones can lead to fines or jail (up to 100,000 THB / 5 years).
- Permits are digital and can be carried on your phone.
- Flying near people, over towns, or in national parks requires special permissions—or is outright banned. To be able to receive this kind of permission you need the CAAT and NBTC documents.
- Usage of the UAS Portal App is mandatory. There are areas where you have to get a permission by RTAF 3-7 days in advance.
This article is a short version of a post on Full Drone Registration Guide for Thailand 2025
Save time and avoid frustration
If you want to avoid the bureaucracy, we offer a drone registration service that handles everything for you, including insurance.
All-round service
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