Thailand relaxes special drone restrictions while 28 border districts remain controlled

Notice No. 16 narrowed the special security zone

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand issued Notice No. 16 on 25 June, with the revised regime taking effect the following day. The change eased the exceptional controls introduced during the Thailand-Cambodia border situation and allowed properly registered operators to fly again in most parts of the country, provided they comply with the underlying aviation rules.

The change did not create a nationwide free-flying zone. Depending on the aircraft and operation, operators still need the relevant CAAT registrations, insurance and flight authorisation, alongside the separate radio-equipment requirements handled by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission. TAT's guidance on the June notice also says flight details — including location, date, time and purpose — must be submitted through the UAS Portal at least three days before the operation.

CAAT's legal register continues to mark Notice No. 16 as active as of 22 September 2026. That makes the June notice the current reference point for the special border restrictions, but a planned flight still has to be checked against the rules applying to its exact location and time.

For practical context, see Thailand economy and finance. This development also connects with Thailand's GPO and Sandoz sign agreement on biosimilar access.

The controlled area is limited to 28 named districts

The remaining special restrictions are district-specific rather than blanket bans across all seven provinces. They cover nine districts in Ubon Ratchathani — Khemarat, Na Tan, Pho Sai, Si Mueang Mai, Khong Chiam, Sirindhorn, Buntharik, Na Chaluai and Nam Yuen — plus Phu Sing, Khun Han and Kantharalak in Si Sa Ket.

In Surin, the list includes Phanom Dong Rak, Kap Choeng, Sangkha and Bua Chet; in Buri Ram, Lahan Sai and Ban Kruat; in Sa Kaeo, Khlong Hat, Aranyaprathet, Khok Sung and Ta Phraya. The remaining controlled districts are Mueang Chanthaburi, Soi Dao and Pong Nam Ron in Chanthaburi, and Mueang Trat, Khlong Yai and Bo Rai in Trat.

For ordinary tourism or recreational filming, these districts are not generally open for drone use. The practical effect is highly local: a route through several provinces can move in and out of the special-control area even though the national rule has been relaxed.

A legal flight still depends on the exact location

Outside the 28 districts, ordinary restrictions continue to matter. Airport and aerodrome zones, prohibited or dangerous airspace, sensitive sites, landowner permission and special-operation rules can independently prevent or condition a flight. Registration therefore answers only part of the question; it does not by itself establish that a particular launch is lawful.

For residents, photographers and travellers, the useful change is that the emergency-style border controls now apply to a much narrower map. The safer planning method is still to verify the coordinates, date and operating conditions for every intended flight rather than relying on a countrywide assumption.