Thailand is targeting unregistered drones; violators face strict fines

The Thai Government is serious about unregistered drones. All drones must be registered by January 9, 2018, or you face up to 5 years in a Thai prison.

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) announced that all drone owners must register their device before Tuesday, January 9, 2018. Failure to do so could result in a maximum of five years in prison and/or a maximum fine of 100,000 Baht ($3108 USD) according to Section 23 of the Radio Communications Act of 1955.

This rule applies to residents and visitors. Anyone who plans on flying their drone in Thailand is expected to register their device with the Thailand government.

Tourists can bring their drones into Thailand. However, they are not allowed to fly their drones here until they have registered their devices with the NBTC or the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT).

Tourists will also want to familiarise themselves with the rules for flying drones in Thailand. Among the key points here are that drones:

• Must not be flown in a way that could cause harm to life and property, or disturb the peace, of others.
• Must be flown in the line of sight at all times.
• Must not be flown over gatherings of people.
• Must not be flown near piloted aircraft.
• Should not be used to violate the privacy of others.

After the deadline, owners flying an unregistered drone will be subject to penalties.