Drone flight restrictions
in Thailand
In Thailand, drone flights are prohibited in certain areas and restricted under civil aviation laws. Violators may face criminal penalties, including fines, equipment seizure, or legal action by the CAAT and security agencies.
This page summarizes common no-fly zones and important restrictions, based on the same guidelines as TDS (Testimate Data Sheet), to help pilots understand the risks before planning their flights.
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Checking the No-Flight Zone (NFZ) before taking off
Verify through the CAAT UAS Portal and official flight maps.
Check AIP Thailand (ENR 5.1 – Prohibited / Restricted / Danger Areas).
Please check the latest NOTAM/TFR announcements only from official sources.
Every flight must be checked before taking place , and the drone operator is fully responsible under the law.
Prohibited Areas (VTP)
Flight permits are not permitted in these areas under any circumstances.
Royal palace and royal grounds.
Military bases and security areas.
Key state infrastructure
Prisons and certain types of government buildings.
Areas declared permanently restricted by law.
Operating drones in such areas is a criminal offense and may lead to prosecution under civil aviation laws, including the seizure of unmanned aerial vehicles and related equipment.
Restricted area for VTR only
(Restricted Areas)
Restricted Flight Areas (VTRs) are areas where flights may be permitted only under specific circumstances and with prior permission from the responsible authority.
Major urban areas that fall under the VTR category include:
Bangkok and surrounding areas
The area within a 19-kilometer radius of the Victory Monument is designated as a VTR (VTR-1) air traffic control zone.
Drone operation in the area.
Prior permission must be obtained from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT).
Unauthorized flight is a violation of civil aviation law and may be punishable by law.
Danger Areas (VTP)
The VTD air traffic control area is a high-risk area for aviation safety and is under the supervision of state aviation and security agencies. The use of the area may vary depending on the time of day and the ongoing mission.
Characteristics of VTD areas include:
Areas near airports and aircraft take-off and landing routes.
Flight training areas, flight testing areas, or specific aviation activities.
Areas with heavy air traffic.
Areas under military, police, or security agency security.
Areas where tactical missions, military exercises, weapons use, or parachute training are conducted.
Drone operations in VTD areas must strictly adhere to specified conditions, and in many cases, coordination or permission from the responsible authorities is required before each flight. Violations may pose safety risks and constitute offenses under civil aviation law.
Temporary No-Flight Area (TFR)
(Temporary Flight Restrictions)
A Temporary No-Flight Zone (TFR) is an area declared to be off-limits for flights during a specified period due to security, safety, or other urgent circumstances.
Examples of cases where a TFR (Third Party Transfer) might be declared.
Royal ceremonies or royal duties
National and international conferences or events.
Emergency situations or security missions.
TFR (Traffic Fence) areas may change at any time. Drone operators must check the latest announcements before every flight.