The regulation of unmanned aerial vehicles by the NBTC (National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission).

The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones/UAVs) in Thailand.

In addition to complying with civil aviation laws,

It remains under the supervision of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC).

In relation to radio frequencies, radio communication, and communication equipment.

This page describes the roles, powers, duties, and regulations of the NBTC (National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission).

Relating to the ownership and use of drones in Thailand.

The role and powers of the NBTC (National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission).

The NBTC (National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission) is a government agency with powers and duties as prescribed by law.

To regulate the use of radio frequencies and all types of telecommunication equipment.

For unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The NBTC (National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission) is responsible for regulating the following issues:

The use of radio frequencies for aircraft control.
Transmission of data, images, and signals over long distances.
Certification and registration of radio communication equipment.
Preventing interference with radio frequencies used for critical national activities.

The reason drones are under consideration...
Supervision by the NBTC (National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission).

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) use wireless communication systems as a crucial part of their flight operations.

Whether it's controlling direction, transmitting images, or sending mission information.

Regulated by the NBTC (National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission).

The objective is to enable such use.

It complies with radio communication standards.
It does not cause interference to other communication systems.
The source and usage can be properly investigated.
In compliance with national security and safety laws.

Drone pilot holding remote controller during flight operation

Registering a drone with the NBTC (National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission)

Unmanned aerial vehicles that meet the conditions set by the NBTC (National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission).

It must be registered with the NBTC (National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission) before it can be used.

In general, registration with the NBTC (National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission) covers:

A drone equipped with a camera for taking photos or recording videos.
Drones that use control or communication systems via radio frequencies.
For both personal and commercial use.

The purpose of registration is to inform government agencies.

The aircraft, its owner, and its usage can be clearly identified.

The relationship between NBTC (National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission) and CAAT (Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand).

Complying with the requirements of the NBTC (National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission).

This is not considered a substitute for the aviation requirements of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT).

Legal and proper use of drones.

It is necessary to comply with the requirements of both agencies, namely:

NBTC: Regarding frequency spectrum, equipment, and communications.
CAAT: Aviation, Safety, Pilots, and Flight Licensing.

Important information for owners.
And drone users.

Owners of unmanned aerial vehicles have legal responsibilities.

To ensure that the aircraft and equipment in use comply with the requirements of...

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC)

The details are as follows:

Registering unmanned aerial vehicles with the NBTC (National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission).

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that meet the criteria set by the NBTC (National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission

Registration must be completed within 30 days of the date of import or the date of commencement of possession.

This includes both cases of legal importation and domestic purchase.

The purpose of registration is to enable the state to...

Clearly identify the device, owner, and usage.

This includes controlling the use of radio frequencies to avoid interfering with other communication systems.

Conditions for aircraft eligibility for registration.

Unmanned aerial vehicles (drones/UAVs) registered in Thailand must meet the requirements of the relevant authorities, particularly regarding aviation law and radio frequency usage, as follows:

This device was imported and is in legal possession.
Use a radio communication system that is licensed and complies with the requirements of the NBTC (National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission).
Use authorized frequencies, such as:
- 2.400 – 2.4835 GHz
- 5.725 – 5.850 GHz
The transmitted power (Tx Power / EIRP) must not exceed the limits specified in the Royal Gazette, which are:
- Not exceeding 100 mW (20 dBm EIRP) in the 2.4 GHz band.
- Not exceeding 1,000 mW (30 dBm EIRP) in the 5.8 GHz band (under specified conditions).
The device has been certified by the NBTC (National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission) and the transmission power has not been modified beyond what is permitted by law.
It is not a prohibited device or an device that is not permitted for use in the Kingdom.

Failure to meet frequency and transmission power requirements may result in denial of registration or violation of radio telecommunications laws.

Registration fee

The registration fees with the NBTC (National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission) are as follows:

Main fee: 200 baht
Value Added Tax (VAT 7%): 14 baht
Total: 214 baht

The registration certificate is effective depending on the type of applicant, as follows:

For Thai nationals.

The license is "permanent" (Long-life / Permanent Registration).
There is no expiration date, as long as there are no changes to important data or equipment.

For foreigners.

1. Tourist Visa

The license is temporary (Temporary Registration).
It is effective for the duration of the permitted stay in the Kingdom.
Once the visa is stamped out of the country (Visa Stamp Out), the permit is considered terminated immediately.

2. Long-term residents / Resident visa holders.

The duration of the permit is at the discretion of the NBTC (National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission).
Generally, it may be allowed for short periods, such as 4–6 months.
Renewal is required when the term expires.

Note: The duration and conditions may vary depending on the agency's practices at different times.

Foreign tourist flying drone in Thailand under CAAT and NBTC regulations

Responsibilities of the owner and user.

Owners of unmanned aerial vehicles have responsibilities.

Keep your registration certificate with the NBTC (National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission) safe.
Use the equipment as registered.
Do not modify or alter the communication system without permission.
Comply with restrictions on the use of radio frequencies and radio communication equipment.
Proof of origin and ownership of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) must be kept at all times, such as receipts, import documents, registration certificates, and relevant permits, to be presented to relevant authorities upon request.
In the event of a sale or transfer to a third party, a written sales contract or ownership transfer document must be prepared as proof of the property's origin for the new owner to register with the NBTC (National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission).
The original owner must notify the relevant authority of the cancellation of ownership/revocation of possession to confirm that they are no longer responsible for the aircraft.
The transferee must re-register the account in their own name before using it.

Penalties for violating NBTC (National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission) laws.

Using unregistered unmanned aerial vehicles.

Or using radio communication equipment without permission from the NBTC (National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission).

This may constitute an offense under the Radio Communications Act and related laws.

Illegal Use

They may be prosecuted under the Radio Communications Act of 1955.

Section 23 (Radio Act BE 2498)

Which prescribes penalties of imprisonment, fines, or both, as prescribed by law.

Violators are subject to fines under the NBTC (National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission) law, with a maximum fine of 40,000 baht.

This is a separate penalty from the penalties under the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT).

Cases of importing or exporting equipment without permission.

(Unauthorized Import / Export)

They may face legal action and fines under the NBTC (National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission) and Customs Laws.

This may result in fines, confiscation of goods, or additional penalties under customs law.

Important observation

Registering with the NBTC (National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission) is only one part of complying with the law.

Users are still required to comply with the requirements of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) regarding pilot licenses, aircraft registration, and flight permits.