Drones: register with two agencies before you fly

Flying a drone in Thailand legally means registering it before it leaves the ground, and the rule catches most hobbyist travellers by surprise. A drone with a camera, or weighing over 2 kg, must be registered with two bodies: the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), which handles the aircraft/operator registration, and the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), which registers the radio-frequency device. Registration is required regardless of the drone's value and applies to visitors, not just residents. Flying an unregistered drone is an offence that can carry heavy fines and, in principle, imprisonment.

Beyond registration, standard no-fly restrictions apply: keep clear of airports and flight paths, government and military installations, and the Grand Palace and similar sensitive sites; do not fly over crowds or private property without consent; and stick to daylight, line-of-sight, and modest altitudes. Insurance is also required for registration. The practical takeaway: if you are bringing a drone, start the CAAT and NBTC registration process well before you travel, because approval is not instant, and flying first and registering later is not an option the law allows.