| Topic | Rule (read 30 Oct 2026) |
|---|---|
| Drone registration | NBTC for all drones; CAAT for drones with a camera |
| Pilot | CAAT online exam, certificate valid 2 years, Thai SIM card for verification |
| Insurance | Third-party liability of at least 1 million baht |
| Flight approval | Request through the UAS portal at least 3 days ahead |
| Airports | No flight within 9 km without approval |
| Grand Palace | Photos outdoors only, never inside the buildings |
Drones: what to know
All steps are online (anyregis.nbtc.go.th and uasportal.caat.or.th). Without a Thai SIM card and several days of preparation, flying is not realistic on a short stay: most visitors give up on the drone. Urban areas, gatherings, public buildings, hospitals and military sites need authorisation, and the tourist police enforce the rules.
Photos in temples and palaces
At the Grand Palace the exteriors can be photographed, but not the inside of the buildings, and the Emerald Buddha statue cannot be photographed. Guides read also mention a ban on flash, tripods and drones. Clothing covering shoulders and knees is required. Do not photograph monks without their consent and avoid disrespectful poses in front of Buddha statues.
FAQ
Can a tourist fly a drone in Bangkok? In theory yes, after NBTC and CAAT registration, but with many constraints.
Can I take photos at Wat Pho? Rules vary by area: follow the signs on site.
What is the fine for an unauthorised drone? Up to 40,000 baht or one year in prison according to TAT.
Go further
A guided walk around Wat Pho and Wat Arun tells you where to take photos: see the Wat Pho and Wat Arun walking tour. Also read Grand Palace tickets, laws and fines in Bangkok and Thai costume photo at Wat Arun.
The Bangkok Authority editorial team
