Thailand’s National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has introduced a new registration process for both tourists and commercial operators wishing to fly drones whilst in the country.

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

If a drone is being brought into Thailand for commercial use, then permission must also be requested from CAAT.

Those who do not comply with new regulations could face a five year jail term or a fine of up to 100,000 Baht.

To register a drone, users must present a signed copy of the applicant’s passport, a photo and the serial number of the drone, plus complete two copies of the registration form.

There are also a set of rules and regulations that must also now be adhered to. These rules mandate 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 line of sight at all times.
• Must not be flown over gatherings of people.
• Must not be flown near areas where there are piloted aircraft.
• Should not be used to violate the privacy of others.