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

 

 

 

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.

 

555 Can't make up this type of B.S.   🤣

On 8/17/2025 at 6:54 AM, JoePai said:

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.

 

555 Can't make up this type of B.S.   🤣

Unfortunately they do

I'll tell the children to make sure to follow these instructions.

 

I'm sure they will listen.  Hope they accept the location "field across street", time "afternoon" purpose "fun, chase my friends around".

 

 

On 8/17/2025 at 7:54 AM, JoePai said:

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.

 

555 Can't make up this type of B.S.   🤣

From what I've read, drone regulations in Vietnam require submitting flight details in advance too. Enough to make drone-flying tourists leave their drones at home - or possibly go elsewhere in the first place!

Too much inconvenience notifying authorities, I’ll wait for the restrictions to completely end

1 hour ago, AsiaCheese said:

From what I've read, drone regulations in Vietnam require submitting flight details in advance too. Enough to make drone-flying tourists leave their drones at home - or possibly go elsewhere in the first place!

Australia also. Usual practice.

"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. "

 

Wow!

 

Thank goodness the Thai are not so quick. in reporting suspicious drone flight movements.
But it does seem that the Thai government is inciting the population against this.
And then, then you go and call the CAAT, and what turns out, after much searching, the drone user turns out to have neatly reported the flight.
It is also starting to look more and more like Western Europe here with all its laws and regulations.

Farmers will be happy getting back to spraying pesticides again.

Just now, hotchilli said:

Farmers will be happy getting back to spraying pesticides again.

 

 

Get back out there and start inhaling Roundup.........put hairs on your chest.

Maybe they should create recreational flying fields for drone users, drone cafe's ($$$), bring the kids ....LOL

So will the 3 mill Teflon Bob donated now the ban is lifted still be used to buy new drones or divvied up between certain individuals? Wonder if can get proof of purchase (under freedom of information act - if existing in Thailand) 555! 

...More 'Legislation' & Questions About Its Timing...(?)

 

...'Someone' Has An Itch.....The Next Day...'The Government' Scratches... (?)

 

...Is It Becoming Too Obvious By Now...(?) 

5 hours ago, hotchilli said:

Farmers will be happy getting back to spraying pesticides again.

...and liquid fertilizers for the farm.