CAAT Drone Update 2026 Overview
A summary of key updates from CAAT focusing on real operational impact, flight permissions, and regulatory requirements
CAAT Issues New Regulation for
Specific Category Operations
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has introduced new regulatory guidelines for unmanned aircraft operations (maximum weight not exceeding 25 kg) under the Specific Category, which refers to operations conducted outside standard condition.
This regulation provides clearer direction on:
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Flight permission procedures
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Operational approval via UAS Portal
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Recording of “Flight Authorization Rating” based on aircraft type
Prior to issuance, CAAT conducted public consultations with industry stakeholders to ensure the regulation aligns with real-world use and does not hinder industry development.
Scope of Application
This regulation applies to operations that deviate from standard flight conditions, particularly in professional or specialized use cases, such as:
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Inspection and survey operations
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Industrial and commercial missions
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Operations in controlled or restricted environments
Key Requirements for Operators
Operators under the Specific Category must:
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Complete training from CAAT-recognized institutions
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Obtain a valid Flight Authorization Rating based on aircraft type
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Submit flight approval requests via UAS Portal with full mission details
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Maintain mandatory third-party liability insurance (minimum 1,000,000 THB)
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Conduct risk assessment prior to operation
Examples of Operations Requiring Approval
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Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations
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Night operations
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Flights above 90 meters
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Operations within 9 km of airports
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Flying near people or structures within 30 meters
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Operations in restricted or controlled airspace
Flight Approval Process (Summary)
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Submit request via UAS Portal
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Specify date, time, location, and mission purpose
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Provide aircraft registration and pilot details
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Attach required documents and insurance
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Await CAAT approval
Transitional Period for Flight Authorization Rating
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Operators with existing training certificates
Can apply immediately, validity up to 4 years
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Operators without training
Can apply but must complete certified training within 2 years
Deadline: 17 May 2028
During this transition period:
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Training certificates from manufacturers or relevant organizations are still accepted
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Applications via UAS Portal remain fully operational
Important Clarification
This regulation applies only to operations outside normal conditions (Specific Category)
It does NOT affect:
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General recreational drone use
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Standard VLOS operations
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Hobby users operating within legal limits
CAAT Observes Drone-Assisted Facade Cleaning Operations
17 April 2026
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) observed a demonstration of drone-assisted facade cleaning (Drone-Assisted Facade Cleaning) under controlled conditions.
The objective is to showcase practical applications of drone technology in building maintenance and service operations.
Impact
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Opens opportunities for drone use in building services and commercial applications
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Emphasizes operations under controlled environments and safety standards
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Reflects the expansion of drone applications into real business sectors
DTTC Insight
Drone usage is expanding beyond aerial photography into industrial and service sectors.
This shift requires proper understanding of regulations and correct operational control to ensure safe and compliant deployment.
Source
CAAT Official Facebook Page
CAAT Signs MOU as Witness for
New Aviation Development
19 March 2026
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) participated as a witness in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the development of new aviation systems in urban environments (Urban Air Mobility: UAM), in collaboration with private sector partners and international stakeholders.
Impact
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Signals the development of next-generation aviation infrastructure in Thailand
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Supports emerging technologies such as eVTOL and modern air traffic management systems
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Expands opportunities for drone and urban air mobility applications
DTTC Insight
Urban Air Mobility (UAM) represents a key direction for the future of aviation.
This will influence regulatory frameworks, airspace management, and operational standards for drone systems in the long term.
Source
CAAT Official Facebook Page
Government, CAAT and Private Sector Explore Integration of Unmanned Aircraft and eVTOL in Thailand
19 March 2026
The Ministry of Transport, together with the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) and private sector partners, held discussions on the direction of integrating unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and eVTOL technologies into Thailand.
The objective is to enhance transportation systems, support emergency medical services, and improve access to remote or hard-to-reach areas.
Impact
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Accelerates development of legal frameworks and regulatory structures to support emerging aviation technologies
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Expands the role of drones in transportation systems and emergency operations
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Emphasizes safety as a primary condition prior to real-world deployment
DTTC Insight
The direction is clear that drone operations in Thailand will become more structured and strictly regulated, while also opening new opportunities in the commercial sector.
Operators must be prepared in terms of regulatory compliance, operational standards, and professional practices.
Source
CAAT Official Facebook Page
Picture Credit: CAAT Official Facebook Page
Development Direction and Feasibility of Drone Delivery in Thailand
11 March 2026
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), together with Grab, is exploring the development direction and feasibility of drone delivery services in Thailand, under a framework of aviation safety regulation and operational standards.
Impact
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Opens opportunities for drone applications in logistics and transportation sectors
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Emphasizes a “Regulate First” approach before full-scale implementation
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Prepares regulatory frameworks and safety requirements for future operations
DTTC Insight
Drone delivery is one of the key future use cases. However, real implementation depends on clear regulations and a well-defined control system.
Operators and businesses should begin preparing from now in terms of compliance, operational readiness, and safety standards.
Source
CAAT Official Facebook Page
Picture Credit: CAAT Official Facebook Page
CAAT Studies Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Framework and Regulatory Direction in Thailand
28 February 2026
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) is progressing with the study and development of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), emphasizing a “Regulate First” approach to ensure legal readiness and infrastructure development before future commercial deployment.
Impact
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Prepares regulatory frameworks for eVTOL and next-generation aviation systems
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Develops supporting infrastructure such as vertiports and air traffic management systems
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Strengthens collaboration between international agencies and private sector partners
DTTC Insight
AAM represents a structural transformation of the aviation industry. Drone operators and stakeholders should closely monitor this direction, as it will directly impact future regulations and operational models.
Source
CAAT Official Facebook Page
Picture Credit: CAAT Official Facebook Page
CAAT Observes eVTOL Flight Demonstrations Overseas
27 February 2026
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) participated in observing electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) flight demonstrations abroad to study real-world operations, safety standards, and risk management practices at an international level.
Impact
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Enhances understanding of next-generation aircraft operations in real environments
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Prepares readiness in safety standards and regulatory oversight
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Supports the development of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) in Thailand
DTTC Insight
Studying real-world implementation overseas is a critical step before adopting new technologies in Thailand. These insights will directly influence future standards, regulations, and operational frameworks.
Source
CAAT Official Facebook Page
Picture Credit: CAAT Official Facebook Page
