Thai - Cambodia Conflict Thailand Lifts Drone Flight Ban with Strict Conditions

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Amarin.

 

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has lifted its temporary ban on drone operations, allowing flights nationwide from 16–31 August 2025, following an improvement in security conditions along the Thai–Cambodian border.

 

The ban, in effect between 30 July and 15 August, was introduced to support military operations in sensitive border areas. With the situation now easing, CAAT has issued its fourth directive, granting permission for all types of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to operate, but under strict conditions.

 

Key restrictions include:

 

• No flights in areas under martial law or with active security operations, such as Sa Kaeo, Trat, Buri Ram, Si Sa Ket, Chanthaburi, Surin and Ubon Ratchathani provinces, as well as Sattahip (Chonburi) and Mueang District (Rayong).

 

• A 9-kilometre exclusion zone around all airports.

 

• Flights only permitted between 06:00 and 18:00, with night operations prohibited.

 

• Operators must submit details of flight areas, times and purposes at least three days in advance via the UAS Portal app or at uasportal.caat.or.th, and also notify the Metropolitan Police’s Anti-Drone Centre.

 

• Special authorisations may still be granted under the Ministry of Transport’s regulations of 2015 and 2024.

 

CAAT Director-General Air Chief Marshal Manat Chuanprayoonsuksaid the relaxation reflects a stabilising situation but stressed that security and public safety remain the priority.

 

Drone users, particularly in the agricultural sector, have been urged to complete mandatory registrations in preparation for new regulations expected in the near future.

 

Authorities have also called on the public to report any unlawful or suspicious drone activity directly to CAAT, the police Anti-Drone Centre or local military and police units.

 

“This measure balances easing restrictions with safeguarding national security,” ACM Manat said. “Compliance from all drone operators is essential.”

Related article:

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1368317-civil-aviation-authority-bans-all-drone-flights-nationwide-until-15-august/

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-08-16