{"id":191,"date":"2026-08-22T14:53:00","date_gmt":"2026-08-22T07:53:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/orbitcine.com\/?p=191"},"modified":"2026-10-18T00:26:01","modified_gmt":"2026-10-17T17:26:01","slug":"drone-registration-caat-nbtc-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/orbitcine.com\/en\/drone-registration-caat-nbtc-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Registering a drone with the NBTC and CAAT, step by step"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Quick answer<\/strong> Drone registration in Thailand involves 2 agencies: the NBTC for the aircraft and its radio frequencies, and CAAT for the remote pilot. Anyone flying commercially or using a drone that meets the criteria in the regulations must register with both before flying. Allow time for processing before taking on real jobs.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Before you can fly a drone legally in Thailand, the first step you can't skip is registration. Many people assume they can fly as soon as they buy a drone, but under the law a drone is an aircraft, and two separate agencies regulate it. This article sums up who you need to register with, which documents to prepare, and what you risk if you don't.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Want to become a drone pilot the right way?<\/p>

ORBITCINE runs drone pilot courses that cover registration prep from the very start.<\/p>

Ask about courses on LINE<\/a> +66 97 159 9690<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why do you need to register a drone?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Under the Air Navigation Act, a drone is an unmanned aircraft, so owners and operators who meet the criteria in the regulations must register before flying. There are 3 main reasons: the safety of airspace shared with other aircraft, national security, and traceability if there's an accident or the drone is misused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For anyone doing commercial photography, registration is also a matter of business credibility. Corporate clients and jobs in controlled areas often ask to see your documents before letting you work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which agencies do you register a drone with?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Thailand has two main agencies, each responsible for a different part, and most pilots need to register with both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
Agency<\/th>Responsible for<\/th>Who must apply<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Office of the NBTC<\/strong><\/td>Registers the aircraft and the radio equipment and frequencies used for control and video transmission<\/td>Owners of drones that meet the criteria in the regulations<\/td><\/tr>\n
CAAT<\/strong> (Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand)<\/td>Registers remote pilots (people who operate or launch drones) and enforces flight rules<\/td>Commercial pilots, or drones that meet the conditions in CAAT regulations<\/td><\/tr>\n<\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Put simply, NBTC registers the “drone” and CAAT registers the “pilot.” If you fly for commercial photo or video work, you need both in place before your first job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What documents do you need to register a drone?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Document requirements may change with each agency's latest announcements, but in general you should have the following ready before you apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n