BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand’s civil aviation regulator eased drone flight restrictions for December 2025, allowing evening operations under tight conditions while maintaining strict bans near the Cambodian border.
Night flights allowed after 18:00 with limits
Drone operations were now permitted after 18:00, where previously flights had been restricted to between 06:00 and 18:00. Any flight deviating from standard conditions still required prior approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT). Flights between 00:01 and 04:00 remained entirely prohibited across the country.
December pilot phase tied to security assessment
The updated rules applied only for the period from 1 to 31 December 2025. Authorities described the changes as the result of an ongoing assessment of the national security situation.
Border districts with Cambodia remain off-limits
Despite the relaxation, the situation along the Cambodian frontier remained sensitive, with specific districts in seven provinces still completely closed to drone activity. These included Aranyaprathet in Sa Kaeo, Khlong Yai in Trat and the entire Mueang Trat district, as well as border districts in Surin, Si Sa Ket, Buri Ram and Ubon Ratchathani, where an absolute ban stayed in place. The CAAT stressed that these zones were essential for ongoing security operations and had to remain entirely free of drones.
Only six airports with full 9‑kilometre no-fly circles
Restrictions around airports were eased, leaving only six facilities subject to a complete flight ban within a nine‑kilometre radius. The affected airports were Korat Airport, Watthana Nakhon, Takhli, Surat Thani, Ubon Ratchathani and Surin Pakdi. Around all other airports, drones could operate with the necessary approvals, provided they respected the maximum altitude limit of 90 metres.
Registration and advance permits via UAS portal
Every drone pilot and each aircraft had to be registered with the authorities. Flight permits were required to be requested at least three days in advance through the CAAT’s UAS portal. Before every individual flight, operators had to file a notification stating location, time and purpose in the portal and inform the police Anti-Drone Operations Centre by email.
Authorities seek full visibility of drone activity
Officials said the procedures were intended to provide an unbroken overview of all drone operations in Thailand. This was aimed at minimising security risks and ensuring that flights could be traced if necessary.
Balancing security needs and economic uses
The CAAT presented the loosening of rules as a calculated balance between safety and economic demand. Drones were described as urgently needed for agriculture, film production and inspection work. Cooperation with security agencies indicated that conditions in most areas were relaxed enough to justify easing restrictions.
State reserves right to tighten rules again
Authorities made clear they could reimpose stricter controls at any time if the security situation along the border deteriorated. The state, they emphasised, would retain firm control over how and where drones could be used.
Debate over technology and control
Public discussion framed drones for some as indispensable tools and for others as potential threats. One commentary asked:
“How much control does a country need to stay safe without stifling innovation?”
said The Nation, media outlet.
Another question to readers was:
“Are the new bans appropriate, excessive or long overdue?”
said The Nation, media outlet.