Following continued assessments with national security agencies, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has announced updated regulations on drone operations in areas that may affect national security during the Thai–Cambodian border situation under Notice No. 15, effective from 6 February 2026 until further notice.

Key Conditions for Drone Operation
Drone flights are permitted throughout Thailand under strict conditions, except in the following prohibited areas:

• In selected districts in seven provinces:
– Ubon Ratchathani: Khemarat, Na Tan, Pho Sai, Si Mueang Mai, Khong Chiam, Sirindhorn, Buntharik, Na Chaluai, and Nam Yuen Districts
– Si Sa Ket: Phu Sing, Khun Han, and Kantharalak Districts
– Surin: Phanom Dong Rak, Kap Choeng, Sangkha, and Bua Chet Districts
– Buri Ram: Lahan Sai and Ban Kruat Districts
– Sa Kaeo: Khlong Hat, Aranyaprathet, Khok Sung, and Ta Phraya Districts
– Chanthaburi: Mueang Chanthaburi, Soi Dao, and Pong Nam Ron Districts
– Trat: Mueang Trat, Khlong Yai, and Bo Rai Districts

• Within a radius of nine kilometres (five nautical miles) around 14 designated airports and airstrips

• Additional energy-sensitive areas:
– Chon Buri: Bo Thong, Bang Lamung, Si Racha, Ko Sichang, Ban Bueng, and Phan Thong Districts
– Rayong: Mueang Rayong, Nikhom Phatthana, Ban Khai, and Pluak Daeng Districts
– Chachoengsao: Mueang Chachoengsao, Bang Pakong, Bang Nam Priao, and Phanom Sarakham Districts
– Phetchaburi: Ban Laem District
– Samut Songkhram: Mueang Samut Songkhram District
– Samut Sakhon: Mueang Samut Sakhon District

Operational Requirements
All operators must register both their drone and pilot licence with CAAT. Flight details—area, date, time, and purpose—must be submitted at least three (3) days in advance via the UAS Portal (uasportal.caat.or.th) and reported to the Anti-Drone Centre, Metropolitan Police Bureau (antidrone.police@gmail.com).

Flights are allowed between 06.00 and 18.00 hrs at a maximum altitude of 90 metres (300 feet).
Operations between 04.01–05.59 hrs and 18.01–24.00 hrs require prior approval via the UAS Portal.
All flights between 00.01–04.00 hrs remain strictly prohibited.

Before each approved flight, operators must confirm operational details with CAAT and notify the Anti-Drone Centre.

Government Agency Operations
Military, police, customs, agriculture, natural resources, and intelligence agencies may conduct drone flights under their legal mandate. However, customs, agriculture, and natural-resource drones operating in prohibited areas must notify CAAT, the Anti-Drone Centre, and relevant local security units in advance via the UAS Portal.

Reporting Violations
Violations of these regulations are punishable by imprisonment of up to one year, a fine of up to 40,000 Baht, or both. Where necessary, authorised military or security agencies may take enforcement action, including the use of counter-drone (anti-drone) systems.

Members of the public are encouraged to report unlawful drone activity, providing details of the date, time, location, drone description, and any available photos or videos, to one of the following channels:
– CAAT – Unmanned Aircraft Standards Division
Tel: +66 (0) 2568 8851 | Email: uas_us@caat.or.th
– Anti-Drone Centre, Metropolitan Police Bureau
Tel: +66 (0) 2126 7846 | Email: antidrone.police@gmail.com
– Local security units, including the nearest police station, military base, or relevant authority

CAAT urges all drone operators to comply strictly with these measures to support national security, aviation safety, and the protection of critical infrastructure during the current period of heightened sensitivity.

Source: TAT News
https://www.tatnews.org/2026/02/flying-a-drone-in-thailand-updated-guide-for-tourists/