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Drone Rules for Samui Airport
Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani (จ.สุราษฎร์ธานี)
• Thailand
99, Tambon Bo Put, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84320, Thailand
Lat: 9.54844 • Lng: 100.063
Rules Edit History: Samui Airport
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May 29, 2026 4:53 AM
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Approved
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Your proposed rule edit for Samui Airport has been approved. The submitted source confirms that operating a drone near the airport is a serious federal violation, and the outline matches the restricted area.
Sources
- https://publicacoes.decea.mil.br/publicacao/ica-100-40 — As a remote pilot, your reputation depends on your strict adherence to Thai aviation law. Flying near Samui Airport is a reckless act that jeopardizes the safety of thousands of passengers. Unauthorized flights will almost certainly lead to immediate police intervention, the permanent seizure of your drone, heavy administrative fines, and potentially criminal charges.
Changed fields
| Field | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Rule category | Ground | Air |
| Flight status | Unknown | NoFly |
| Summary | — | Fly Status: Strictly Prohibited. Samui Airport (USM) is a private, high-security airport, and its 9-kilometer (5-nautical mile) No-Fly Zone covers a significant portion of Koh Samui. Operating a drone within this radius is a serious federal violation. |
Before
After
9km No-Fly Zone: Thai aviation law strictly forbids drone operations within 9 km of any airport or airstrip. Because Koh Samui is a relatively small island, this exclusion zone encompasses a large part of the island's territory, including much of the Bo Put area. Legal Framework: Operations are governed by the CAAT and the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC). Thailand’s 2026 regulations are strictly enforced. Violations can lead to imprisonment for up to one year, fines of up to 40,000 Baht, or both. Serious or recurring violations by foreign visitors can lead to deportation and being blacklisted from re-entering Thailand. Mandatory Requirements (General Thailand Rules): Dual Registration: You must register your drone with both the NBTC (radio frequency compliance) and the CAAT (pilot/operator registration) via the CAAT UAS Portal. Insurance: Third-party liability insurance (minimum 1,000,000 Baht coverage) is mandatory for all drone operations. Pilot License: You must pass a CAAT-certified online knowledge test to obtain a pilot license. Flight Plans: For any operation in permitted areas, you must submit a flight plan via the CAAT UAS Portal at least 3 days in advance. How to be "Socially Accepted" and Lawful Do Not Fly Near USM: The airport’s approach and departure paths are under constant surveillance. Security units are authorized to use anti-drone technology to neutralize threats and seize equipment on the spot. Verify Airspace: Always check the official CAAT UAS Portal map before planning any flight. If you are anywhere near Bo Put or the airport, assume the airspace is restricted. Respect Protected Areas: Drones are effectively banned in all Thai National Parks and many protected coastal areas without explicit written permission from park authorities, which is rarely granted for recreational use. Professional Conduct: If you require aerial footage for commercial or cinematic purposes, you must apply for specific mission permits through the CAAT. Never attempt to fly without these documents in your possession.
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+ 9km No-Fly Zone: Thai aviation law strictly forbids drone operations within 9 km of any airport or airstrip. Because Koh Samui is a relatively small island, this exclusion zone encompasses a large part of the island's territory, including much of the Bo Put area. + + Legal Framework: Operations are governed by the CAAT and the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC). Thailand’s 2026 regulations are strictly enforced. Violations can lead to imprisonment for up to one year, fines of up to 40,000 Baht, or both. Serious or recurring violations by foreign visitors can lead to deportation and being blacklisted from re-entering Thailand. + + Mandatory Requirements (General Thailand Rules): + + Dual Registration: You must register your drone with both the NBTC (radio frequency compliance) and the CAAT (pilot/operator registration) via the CAAT UAS Portal. + + Insurance: Third-party liability insurance (minimum 1,000,000 Baht coverage) is mandatory for all drone operations. + + Pilot License: You must pass a CAAT-certified online knowledge test to obtain a pilot license. + + Flight Plans: For any operation in permitted areas, you must submit a flight plan via the CAAT UAS Portal at least 3 days in advance. + + How to be "Socially Accepted" and Lawful + Do Not Fly Near USM: The airport’s approach and departure paths are under constant surveillance. Security units are authorized to use anti-drone technology to neutralize threats and seize equipment on the spot. + + Verify Airspace: Always check the official CAAT UAS Portal map before planning any flight. If you are anywhere near Bo Put or the airport, assume the airspace is restricted. + + Respect Protected Areas: Drones are effectively banned in all Thai National Parks and many protected coastal areas without explicit written permission from park authorities, which is rarely granted for recreational use. + + Professional Conduct: If you require aerial footage for commercial or cinematic purposes, you must apply for specific mission permits through the CAAT. Never attempt to fly without these documents in your possession.