It is strictly regulated.
Flying drones over private property in Thailand requires compliance with multiple layers of civil aviation, privacy, and local ordinance laws. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) enforces drone regulations under the Air Navigation Act B.E. 2558 (2015) and its 2026 amendments, while the Personal Data Protection Act B.E. 2562 (2019) may apply if footage captures identifiable individuals. Violations risk fines up to ฿100,000, imprisonment, or both, with property owners retaining rights to seek civil damages for trespass or privacy breaches.
Key Regulations for Flying Drones Over Private Property in Thailand
- CAAT Authorization: Drones weighing over 25 kg or flown in restricted zones (e.g., near airports, military sites) require prior CAAT approval. Even lighter drones must register with CAAT if used commercially or for aerial photography, with operator certification mandatory for flights over private land.
- Privacy and Data Protection: Capturing images or video of individuals without consent violates the PDPA, triggering potential legal action. Property owners may demand drone operators cease flights or delete recordings under Section 37 of the PDPA.
- Local Ordinances and Trespass: Municipalities like Bangkok enforce additional rules; flying below 120 meters or within 30 meters of private structures without permission may constitute trespass under Section 422 of the Thai Civil and Commercial Code. Some districts ban drones entirely in residential areas.