Drone Permit Registration in Thailand
NOTICE: ALL WORK PERMITS & VISAS REQUIRE A THAI PRODUCTION COMPANY TO SPONSOR AND APPLY.
Accompanied by a huge variety of purposes, such as photography, filming, and recreation, flying has become increasingly popular and is widely developed nowadays under the well-known name of drones. However, flying a UAV in Thailand is a highly regulated activity. Below is a comprehensive guide to UAV registration and operational guidelines in Thailand.
Registration Requirements
All UAVs fitted with cameras shall be registered without exception.
UAVs weighing over 2 kilograms must also be registered, regardless of camera installation.
Any UAV weighing more than 25 kilograms needs special permission from the Ministry of Transport.
Operational Restrictions
Safety concerns demand strict operational guidelines that UAV operators have to follow. The UAV should be visible at all times during flight. Operators are prohibited from controlling them using only cameras or similar devices. Drones are supposed to keep a horizontal distance of 30 meters away from people, vehicles, construction sites, and buildings. Also, flying over government offices, state facilities, and hospitals is forbidden without prior permission.
Additional restrictions include:
- Altitude: No UAV shall fly higher than 90 meters.
- Airport Proximity: Flying within 9 km (5 NM) of airports or temporary airfields without permission is not allowed.
- Manned Aircraft: UAVs should not be flown close to manned aircraft.
Violations of these regulations carry a serious penalty: up to 1 year of imprisonment or a fine of up to 40,000 THB, or both.
Required Documents for UAV Registration
The documents required for UAV registration differ depending on whether the applicant is a natural or juristic person.
For Juristic Persons:
Applicants must submit:
- A certificate of juristic person issued within the last 30 days, with business objectives, location, and details of the authorized signatory.
- A list of the managing partners or directors and copies of identity cards or their passports.
- Parameters about UAVs: type, brand and series number, quantities, and Performance-related details.
- A copy of the insurance policy covering damage to body and life as well as third-party property with the minimum coverage amount of 1 million baht per flight.
- Purpose and area of UAV use along with the applicant’s contact details.
For Natural Persons:
Natural persons are required to submit:
- A copy of their identification card or passport.
- Proof of their registered address.
- Other documents similar to those required for juristic persons, such as UAV details and insurance policies.
Such guidelines would ensure that the UAV operators in Thailand can ensure the safety and legality of operation, reducing risks to the barest minimum and maximizing the benefitting aspects of drone technology.
