Thai - Cambodia Conflict Government Eases Ban on Agricultural Drone Flights

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Komchadluek.

 

The government has announced a partial relaxation of the nationwide drone ban, allowing the use of drones for agricultural purposes under strict conditions from Monday, 11 August 2025.

 

Government spokesman Jirayu Huangsap said the Security Committee on Border Affairs (SBTA) agreed to ease restrictions that were imposed due to ongoing security concerns along the Thai–Cambodian border. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has issued its third directive permitting registered agricultural drones to operate within specified parameters, while drones for all other purposes remain banned nationwide.

 

The current blanket ban will remain in place for all non-agricultural drones until 15 August 2025 or until further notice. Agricultural drone operations must comply with the following rules:

 

• Both the drone and its operator must be fully registered with the CAAT, with valid documentation.

 

• Operators must hold CAAT authorisation for agricultural use.

 

• No record of prior violations or revoked flight rights.

 

• Flights are restricted to the operator’s own farmland or areas where permission from the landowner has been granted.

 

• Flight plans must be submitted at least 12 hours in advance via the CAAT’s UAS Portal (website or app) and notified to local police or village heads, as well as the Anti-Drone Operations Centre via email.

 

• Maximum flight altitude is 30 metres.

 

• Flights may only take place between 06:00 and 18:00 – night flights remain prohibited.

 

• Drones may only be used for spreading organic or inorganic substances, agricultural chemicals, water or fertiliser, photography and surveying are not allowed.

 

Strict no-fly zones remain in place, including restricted or hazardous areas listed in Thailand’s Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP), martial law zones, areas with active military operations and within a 9-kilometre radius of any airport or aircraft landing site.

 

Violations carry penalties of up to one year in prison, a fine of up to 40,000 baht, or both. Authorities also have the power to destroy or intercept unauthorised drones using anti-drone systems.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khomchadluek 2025-08-11