Getting a drone license in Thailand: where do you start?

The question people who want to start flying drones ask most is “Where do I take the license exam?” The answer may not be what you expect, because becoming a legal drone pilot in Thailand doesn't start in an exam room. It starts with registration. This article covers everything from eligibility and documents to the actual steps.

Why drone pilots must register before flying

Section 24 of the Air Navigation Act B.E. 2497 (1954) prohibits anyone from operating or launching an unmanned aircraft, or making parachute drops, unless they have written permission from the Minister and comply with the conditions the Minister sets.

• Flying without registering (a violation of Section 24) is an offense under Section 78(1), punishable by up to 1 year in prison, a fine of up to 40,000 baht, or both.
• If you're registered but don't follow the required conditions, it's an offense under Section 67/20, punishable by a fine of up to 50,000 baht.

So registration isn't an optional extra. It's a legal requirement you must meet before you fly, whether as a hobby or commercially.

Eligibility requirements for registering as a drone pilot

To register as a person who operates or launches an unmanned aircraft (excluding recreational drones under 2 kilograms without a camera), you must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 20 years old (applicants aged 18–20 must have a legal guardian who supervises them and takes responsibility)
• Have no record of conduct that poses a threat to national security
• Have never been sentenced to imprisonment by a final court judgment for an offense under narcotics or liquor laws

Drones weighing no more than 2 kilograms that are used only for recreation or sport and have no camera are exempt from pilot registration. But if you fly commercially or use a camera, we recommend completing full registration for everyone's peace of mind.

Documents to prepare before registering

For individuals of Thai nationality, the main documents you need are:

If you register as a company or government agency, additional documents are required, such as a company certificate or a letter of authorization from the agency.

How to register as a drone pilot with CAAT

1. Prepare your documents and check that you meet all the requirements
2. Create an account and verify your identity at www.caat.or.th under the unmanned aircraft registration section
3. Fill in the remote pilot registration form and attach all the required documents
4. Wait for CAAT's decision, which comes within 15 business days of the date your documents are complete
5. Once approved, carry your registration certificate with you at all times when flying

A drone pilot registration certificate is valid for 2 years from the approval date, and you must register again when it's close to expiring. If you plan to do aerial photography professionally, set a calendar reminder for renewal well in advance.

Besides registering as a pilot, do I also need to register the drone?

Yes, the two go hand in hand. Registering as a pilot with CAAT certifies that you personally are qualified and understand the flight conditions. Drones with a camera or weighing over 2 kilograms also need the aircraft itself registered with the Office of the NBTC as a separate step, because they use radio frequencies to control the aircraft.

For the complete step-by-step process of registering your drone with the NBTC and CAAT, read our article: Registering a drone with the NBTC and CAAT, step by step

What drone pilots should know before flying for real

Although CAAT doesn't hold a formal written exam, the pre-flight conditions require pilots to be knowledgeable and skilled in operating the aircraft and its systems, and to understand the relevant air traffic rules.

Beginners should therefore learn the flight restrictions thoroughly before taking on real jobs: no flying higher than 90 meters, no flying within 9 kilometers of an airport without permission, and keeping the aircraft in sight with the naked eye at all times. Read all the pre-flight conditions in our article: A professional pilot's preflight checklist

Frequently asked questions

Is it illegal to fly a drone without registering?

Yes. It's an offense under Sections 24 and 78(1) of the Air Navigation Act B.E. 2497 (1954), punishable by up to 1 year in prison, a fine of up to 40,000 baht, or both. The exception is toy drones weighing no more than 2 kilograms that have no camera and are used only for fun.

How long does drone pilot registration take?

CAAT will notify you of its decision within 15 business days of the date your documents are complete, so allow time in advance before taking on any job with a fixed date.

When does a drone pilot registration certificate expire?

It's valid for 2 years from the approval date, and you must register again every 2 years to stay legal.

How old do you have to be to register as a drone pilot?

You must be at least 20 years old. Applicants aged 18–20 can register, but they must have a legal guardian who supervises them and takes responsibility.

No time to learn the process yourself? Are there other options?

Yes. ORBITCINE offers aerial photo and video services by a pilot team that's already fully registered. Hire a team that's ready to fly right away instead of starting everything from scratch yourself. Contact the ORBITCINE pilot team

Do I need insurance before registering?

Getting insured first makes things smoother, because the law requires third-party liability insurance for drone flights, and the policy is one of the documents you submit when you register. The order that wastes the least time is: get insured, register the drone with the NBTC, and then apply for remote pilot registration with CAAT.

Related services

• Drone pilot courses and service center
• Aerial photo and video services
• Flight planning tool and preflight checklist