BANGKOK, Thailand – The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has announced a 24-hour restriction on drone flights within the VT R1 Bangkok City airspace on October 16 to support security operations during the 2026 IMF–World Bank Group Annual Meetings in Bangkok. The restriction will take effect at midnight on October 16 and remain in place throughout the day, covering designated areas of the capital. Drone operators planning flights in Bangkok are advised to verify whether their intended locations fall within the restricted airspace and obtain permission before proceeding.
Operators seeking authorization must apply in advance through the official UAS Portal. Applications must be approved by the Director of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand before any flights can take place. Submitting an application does not automatically grant permission to operate within the restricted area. CAAT warned that unauthorized drone operations could result in imprisonment of up to one year, a fine of up to 40,000 baht, or both. The authority has urged operators to comply with the temporary restriction to help maintain safety and security during the international meetings. (NNT)
