BANGKOK (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Drones have gained a lot of popularity. You will spot drones in Thailand often as the locals are fond of drones. Have you ever wondered about the laws and rules you must follow to fly a drone in Thailand? According to the national aviation authority, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), flying a drone is legal in Thailand. However, it is important to be aware of the rules that are set by Thailand for flying a drone. You must comply with drone regulations if you want to fly a drone without any trouble. The Thailand agency is responsible for drone safety, and CAAT has provided several details on flying a drone for fun or work.
Important Rules To Know For Flying A Drone In Thailand
Here are some of the most important rules that you must know for flying a drone in Thailand:
1.Drones Must Be Equipped With Cameras
The drones developed with the help of the latest technologies are equipped with high-quality amenities. If you buy a premium quality drone, then you should make sure to check if it has a camera or not. If you want to fly a drone in Thailand without any problems, then you must buy a drone with a camera. All drones weighing more than 2 kilograms and equipped with a camera should be registered. Drones that exceed 25 kilograms (55 pounds) should be registered with the Ministry of Transport.
2. Drone Pilots Must Stay Alert At All Times
Thailand allows all beginner and professional drone pilots to fly in the regions of Thailand. However, pilots should stay alert at all times. They must maintain a visual line of sight while flying the drone.
3. Must Be Flown In Restricted Areas
Drones in Thailand must be flown in restricted areas. You are not allowed to fly a drone within a busy city. Your drone must be flown within a certain distance of manned aircraft. The pilot is not allowed to fly a drone within 30 meters (98 feet) of any person. It can be unsafe to fly a drone in places where there is a lot of public. You must fly your drone away from all the vehicles and construction sites. Your drone should also be away from tall buildings. It is important to ensure that your drone is flown in restricted areas.
4. Prohibited From Flying Over Cities And Villages
The drones must be flown within 9 kilometers (5 miles). It is also important to stay away from the airport zones or the airfield. You must not fly your drone above 90 meters (295 feet). The drone pilots should ensure that the drone stays at a distance of 9 kilometers (= 5 miles).
It is prohibited to fly drones in crowds. You must not fly over cities and villages as this could pose a threat to the safety of the locals in Thailand. It is also important to stay away from government buildings and hospitals.
5. Take-off And Landing Permission
The drone pilots should take permission from the authorities to take off and land. It is important to obtain permission from the property owner if you intend to land your drone at a certain place. In practice, you should resolve this issue by requesting permission from the guards and the information desk.
6. Fly In The Daylight Hours
Drone flights are only permitted in Thailand during daylight hours. You are not allowed to fly your drone during the nighttime. The drone pilots must fly their drones during sunrise and sunset. Thai law also states that the pilot must have an emergency plan to land the drone in case of emergency. It is also important to ensure that you have a fire extinguisher with you at all times.
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Note For Foreign Drone Operators
A traveler in Thailand can fly a drone but it is important to register your drone with the NBTC if you want to fly your drone in Thailand. You will need the following documents for flying a drone in Thailand as a traveler.
- A copy of the passport that is signed and stamped with the entry stamp
- You should have Thailand registered address for flying a drone in Thailand. It is possible to register for drone flying in Thailand with a hotel booking.
- You must have a Drone and controller photograph with serial numbers
- A copy of the drone insurance policy should be included. You will have to pay THB 1 million which is approximately $32,000 for the coverage fees