Agriculture drones will now be permitted by the Civil Aviation Authority.
Agricultural Drone Operations in Thailand: Strict Rules and Regulations
Starting from Monday, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has announced that agricultural drone operations will be allowed. However, these operations are subject to strict conditions to ensure safety and security.
Firstly, both the drone and its operator must be registered with the CAAT through the UAS Portal. Additionally, operators are required to have third-party liability insurance based on the drone’s weight. Flight authorization from CAAT is also necessary before any operation can commence.
Operators must notify authorities at least 12 hours before flights, operate drones only within authorized locations, dates, and times, and restrict flights between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. at heights below 30 meters exclusively for agricultural purposes like spraying or distributing agricultural substances, water, or fertilizer—not for photography or surveying.
Restricted zones where agricultural drone flights are prohibited include 16 key security or hazard areas related to the Thai-Cambodian border situation, martial law border provinces, Sattahip district (Chon Buri), Mueang district (Rayong), and importantly, within a 9-kilometer radius of any airport or landing site. Specific provinces mentioned with restrictions include Nakhon Sawan, Nakhon Ratchasima, Ratchaburi, Chanthaburi, Trat, Ubon Ratchathani, and Si Sa Ket.
Violations of these rules pose penalties of up to one year imprisonment, fines up to 40,000 baht, or both, and authorities are authorized to destroy or intercept unauthorized drones using anti-drone systems.
For more detailed procedures and forms, operators can consult the CAAT UAS Portal website or contact the Division of Unmanned Aircraft Standards by email at [email protected] or phone at 02 568 8851. It is essential to note that operators must have no record of violations to be eligible for drone operations in Thailand.
In summary, agricultural drone operations in Thailand require strict adherence to regulations. Operators must register their drones and themselves, obtain flight authorization, have third-party liability insurance, and provide necessary documents. Flight notifications must be made at least 12 hours in advance, and operations are limited to specific hours, heights, and locations. Violating these rules can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment and fines.
- Technology, such as drones, will be utilized in agriculture under the supervision of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), with the caveat that these technologies are not for photography or surveying, but exclusively for agricultural purposes.
- It is crucial for agricultural drone operators to comply with technology-related regulations, including the requirements for registration through the CAAT's UAS Portal, third-party liability insurance, and obtaining flight authorization.
