BANGKOK, Thailand – The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) announced a partial relaxation of its nationwide drone ban, permitting agricultural drone operations starting August 11, while maintaining restrictions on all other unmanned aircraft until August 15 or further notice. The limited exemption applies exclusively to agricultural drones operating under strict conditions to maintain national security and aviation safety during Thai-Cambodian border tensions.
Agricultural drone operators must meet extensive requirements to qualify for the exemption. Operators and their aircraft must maintain valid CAAT registration without violations or revoked flight rights and possess proper authorization for agricultural operations. Flight operations are restricted to the operator’s land or property with landowner permission. All flights require advance notification at least 12 hours prior through the CAAT UAS Portal website, mobile application, email to the Police Counter-Drone Operations Center, and local authorities, including police stations or village officials.
Permitted flights must operate within strict parameters, including altitude limits of 30 meters and daylight operations exclusively between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Approved activities are limited to spraying, scattering, or applying organic substances, inorganic substances, agricultural chemicals, water, or fertilizer for agricultural purposes only. Photography and surveying operations remain strictly prohibited under the exemption.
Comprehensive no-fly zones remain in effect with no exceptions for any drone operations. Restricted areas include 16 prohibited or dangerous zones published in Thailand’s Aeronautical Information Publication, all seven border provinces under martial law or military deployment, Sattahip district in Chonburi province, Rayong’s capital district, and areas within nine kilometers of all airports and aircraft facilities. Security agencies may designate additional restricted zones as needed.
Violations carry penalties of up to one year imprisonment, fines reaching 40,000 baht, or both sanctions. Authorities retain the power to destroy or counter unauthorized unmanned aircraft using anti-drone systems. Operators can contact CAAT at 02-568-8851 during business hours or email [email protected] for inquiries. Violations should be reported to the Anti-Drone Center for Remotely Piloted Aircraft at 02-126-7846 or [email protected], or through local police stations and security agencies. (NNT)
