Pictures courtesy of Khaosod 

 

Thailand’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAAT) issued Announcement No. 12on 8 December 2025, imposing an immediate ban on drone operations across seven provinces bordering Cambodia and in all active operational zones. The order, effective from 9 December 2025 until further notice, aims to protect national security and ensure the safety of aviation and ongoing security operations. The decision follows heightened tensions along the Thailand–Cambodia border and concerns about unmanned aircraft interfering with military activities.

 

The new announcement replaces the more lenient Announcement No. 11, which previously allowed limited drone use under certain conditions. CAAT stated that after joint monitoring and assessment with security agencies, the overall situation has become more severe in areas adjacent to the border. Authorities warned that unrestricted drone activity could compromise both security operations and public safety, prompting a tightening of controls.

 

The ban covers areas with deployed security forces or provincial-level ground operations in Chanthaburi, Trat, Sa Kaeo, Buri Ram, Si Sa Ket, Surin and Ubon Ratchathani. It also includes district-level operational zones in Sattahip (Chon Buri) and Ban Chang (Rayong), a 9-kilometre radius around designated airports, and any additional locations declared by security agencies. These zones are classified as strictly no-fly areas for civilian drones under all circumstances unless explicitly authorised.

 

CAAT outlined stringent conditions for any permitted drone flights. Operators must register themselves and their drones, apply for flight permission at least three days in advance via the UAS Portal, fly below 90 metres, and operate only between 06.00 and 18.00 unless special approval is granted. Drone flights are prohibited entirely between 00.01 and 04.00, and all authorised operators must notify CAAT and the police anti-drone centre before each flight.

 

Government drones operated by the military, police, customs, agriculture, natural resources and intelligence agencies may proceed under their official mandates. However, customs, agriculture and natural resources agencies are asked to provide advance notice if operating within restricted zones. CAAT also urged the public to report any suspicious or illegal drone use, providing details, images or videos to designated aviation, police or local security contacts.

 

Khoasod reported that authorities emphasised that the restrictions are necessary to safeguard national security during the ongoing border situation. Further updates will be issued if conditions change or if additional control measures become necessary.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• CAAT’s Announcement No. 12 bans drones in seven border provinces and operational zones from 9 December 2025.

• Tighter controls follow rising security concerns along the Thailand–Cambodia border.

• Operators face strict registration, permission and time-of-day requirements, with a complete ban in certain areas.

 

Related Stories

 

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 Adapted  by  Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-12-09

 

 

This must be the 4th or 5th or 6th time they have made the exact same ban on drones... While the last ban was still active...

Kind of like e-cigs which have also been banned 5 or 6 or 7 times as if the first ban was never good enough...lol

5 hours ago, redwood1 said:

his must be the 4th or 5th or 6th time they have made the exact same ban on drones... While the last ban was still active...

Not exactly.  The ban on drones being used specifically for agriculture, such as insecticide and fertilizer spraying had been relaxed, allowing it outside of immediate conflict areas.