5 minutes ago, Liverpool Lou said:

No, it is not.  Operating a drone without a permit is, though.

 

You need a separate surveillance permit to take photos of people if they are identifiable.

7 hours ago, save the frogs said:

So do Youtubers who use drones get special permission?

 

Nah, just a small fine and put the drone away

4 hours ago, Bday Prang said:

surely you understand some basic Thai   "Tid kook talort cheewit"   life in prison     "Praharn cheewit "    death sentence,    always handy to know    

Not for "recreational" flying, only for espionage charges.

1 minute ago, Liverpool Lou said:

Not for "recreational" flying, only for espionage charges.

It would be enough to put me off playing with such toys,   difficult to prove a negative as they say

Say what ... it's a nationwide ban ... oops  

 

Thought it was just near the conflict areas.  I should probably pay attention to things like that, though unless posted on AN, not sure how I'd know, since I don't do TV or Thai news of any kind.   None of mine are registered to fly with a camera or insured. 

 

Think one generic DIY is registered, but not with CAAT, as the camera is removable.   Though I don't have any batteries for that drone anyway, so it's grounded.

1 hour ago, Liverpool Lou said:

Criticising his opinion in the manner that you did makes exactly the same hit on the stupidity meter

 

I'm glad you managed to translate what was posted.

And the further update a high ranking  official  listed for sale a drone TIT

8 hours ago, webfact said:

28-year-old Mr. Neck claimed ignorance of the rules

 

First name 'Brass'? 🤪

5 hours ago, JensenZ said:

Google already has strict guidelines for what they can show on Google Maps, but drones shouldn't be restricted?

Which of Google Maps guidelines could be applied to recreational drone use that aren't already.  Do you support guidelines restricting what people can use their eyes for and what they can look at in public?

1 hour ago, Will B Good said:

1 hour ago, Liverpool Lou said:

That applies only to espionage or spying charges, as your own post clearly states.   Recording of Pattaya beach by tourists almost certainly does not fall into that category.

 

So Cambodians flying drones, ones with cameras fitted....okay....... as long as they are tourists?

In normal circumstances, yes, as long as they are registered, etc., unless they are spying but these are not normal circumstances and all drone flying in Thailand is currently banned.

1 hour ago, Liverpool Lou said:

Not for "recreational" flying, only for espionage charges.

 

Some guy flew one in Cambodia a few years ago and was sent to prison for espionage or government subversion. He flew it over a protest. I don't think he was released very quickly and the embassy was trying to help him.

41 minutes ago, Liverpool Lou said:

Why? Has he been charged with espionage or spying?

 

6 hours ago, lordgrinz said:

 

I gave up following the dream of getting one, but just for information sake, how much is the insurance costs per year?

If your dream is to just have the experience of learning to fly a drone and have a good time at it, there are some great, small, 5" very lightweight quads designed for Indore use.  I bought one for amusement during Covid lockdowns and had a great time.  They are designed to bounce harmlessly off ceilings and walls but fly by all the same principles of larger drones.

 

https://www.lazada.co.th/products/pdp-i5128747717-s21647746815.html?

8 hours ago, lordgrinz said:

He can't fly one even if there wasn't a national emergency, I doubt a tourist has the required Thai license(s) to fly one, and doing so on a beach would still be illegal. I'm actually surprised he got one through Custom's inspection.

What customs inspection.?

6 hours ago, Bday Prang said:

Really ?  its been on the TV news shows every day for a week or more    surely you understand some basic Thai   "Tid kook talort cheewit"   life in prison     "Praharn cheewit "    death sentence,    always handy to know    

 

Yes, in the 36 countries I have lived and worked in, the first thing I do is learn how to say 'life sentence' and 'death sentence' in the local lingo. Very handy.

4 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

 

Yes, in the 36 countries I have lived and worked in, the first thing I do is learn how to say 'life sentence' and 'death sentence' in the local lingo. Very handy.

 WoW 36 countries Good for you.   where did I say it was the first thing I learnt,  that was probably something like "pi$$ off you sarcastic prick" or something along  similar lines

2 hours ago, Liverpool Lou said:

Criticising his opinion in the manner that you did makes exactly the same hit on the stupidity meter

So when did 3 No, become an opinion? It´s a crazy try to change facts.

8 hours ago, NanLaew said:

In understandable English, please?

No, problem. For you, I will try to get down on pre-school level next time.

3 hours ago, Liverpool Lou said:

8 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

people are quick to criticise tourists for flying drones - but how are they supposed to know there's a blanket ban if that information isn’t clearly communicated or publicly accessible?

https://www.tatnews.org/2025/07/flying-a-drone-in-thailand-updated-guide-for-tourists/

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Flying a Drone in Thailand – Updated Guide for Tourists

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🔴 Urgent Notice: Nationwide Drone Ban in Effect (30 July – 15 August 2025)

 

Yup - Clearly I'm in the wrong here...  I'm not questioning the law or that it exists.

 

I'm simply highlighting that as someone who lives here full time, this information has somehow bypassed me.

 

Thus: I can understand how a tourist on a beach in Thailand may also not be aware of the regulation, particularly the blanket ban.

 

 

55 minutes ago, Bday Prang said:

 WoW 36 countries Good for you.   where did I say it was the first thing I learnt,  that was probably something like "pi$$ off you sarcastic prick" or something along  similar lines

 

Thanks for the bandwidth. Much appreciated.

 

50 minutes ago, Gottfrid said:

So when did 3 No, become an opinion? It´s a crazy try to change facts.

 

Ditto.

50 minutes ago, Gottfrid said:

No, problem. For you, I will try to get down on pre-school level next time.

 

Again, thanks for taking the time to waste your time. Much appreciated.

Another ignorant tourist who wanted to take his drone on holiday but didn’t have the common sense to check up the relevant regulations for it’s use.
 

10 hours ago, lordgrinz said:

He can't fly one even if there wasn't a national emergency, I doubt a tourist has the required Thai license(s) to fly one, and doing so on a beach would still be illegal. I'm actually surprised he got one through Custom's inspection.

Customs couldn't care less - it's not illegal to have a drone, but that changes the moment you get it ready to fly. That's when it becomes illegal if you dont't have the two necessary permits (radio and flight), plus insurance.

4 hours ago, Liverpool Lou said:

Why would you suggest that when there is nothing to back it up?

 

Where did he make a suggestion ? It was a question. 

Posts and replies with derogatory trolling comments toward Thai have been removed:

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1 hour ago, NanLaew said:

 

Again, thanks for taking the time to waste your time. Much appreciated.

So, you see yourself in a position to judge if I am wasting my time. Good on you. Hope you don´t hurt too much when you fall down from your high horses.

1 hour ago, NanLaew said:

Ditto.

😂😂

Drone operators should look up the laws of the countries they are traveling to.  

6 hours ago, Liverpool Lou said:

No, it is not.  Operating a drone without a permit is, though.

Although the law update in 2013 was amended with the intent of addressing the issue of  recording people in private locations such as bathrooms, homes, changing rooms etc. it also reinforced the ownership of one's image. Using people's images for profit without their consent is illegal. It is intellectual property - trade dress infringement. If the perp was using the images of beachgoers to generate income without the permission of the subjects, then they have a right of recourse. Youtube , tiktok, IG and other  sites allow  the monetization of creators' videos.  It is no different than if someone takes your photo on a street without your permission and uses it to advertise erectile dysfunction medication.

14 hours ago, lordgrinz said:

He can't fly one even if there wasn't a national emergency, I doubt a tourist has the required Thai license(s) to fly one, and doing so on a beach would still be illegal. I'm actually surprised he got one through Custom's inspection.

That's a stupid comment!

Buy one on lazdada!

I have brought mine from the uk many times to Thailand!