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Flying drones at Angthong park
Drone Flying in Ang Thong National Marine Park Permissions, Rules, and Practical Steps
Ang Thong is a protected National Marine Park. In practice, drones are treated as restricted inside national parks: you should assume flights are not allowed unless you have prior written permission from the park authority, and even with permission you may be asked to stand down on the day for safety or wildlife reasons.
Thailand also has nationwide drone requirements. To fly legally, you generally need both the national approvals (aviation + radio) and the local area permission for the park.
The approvals you may need
Think of it as two layers: Thailand-wide legality + park-area permission. Many people confuse these.
A. NBTC (radio) registration
NBTC registration covers the radio/ownership side of the drone.
B. CAAT (aviation) registration
CAAT covers aviation rules, operator requirements, and drone registration through Thailand’s UAS systems.
B. CAAT (aviation) registration
CAAT covers aviation rules, operator requirements, and drone registration through Thailand’s UAS systems.
C. DNP / Park permission (Ang Thong-specific)
Even if your drone is fully registered, Ang Thong is a national park area. Park permission is separate and discretionary.
Thailand-wide flight rules (summary)
These are the rules that still apply even outside the park. Inside the park, enforcement is typically stricter.
- Fly in daylight with good visibility and keep the drone in visual line of sight.
- Stay below the maximum altitude limit (commonly enforced at 90 meters / 300 feet).
- Keep safe distance from uninvolved people, vehicles, and property; never fly over crowds.
- Avoid restricted airspace such as areas near airports and heliports.
- Do not fly in a way that creates nuisance, risk, or privacy issues.
Why Ang Thong rangers often refuse drone flights
- Wildlife disturbance (especially birds).
- Visitor safety (crowded beaches, narrow viewpoints, moving boats).
- Noise and privacy concerns for other guests.
- High winds and rapidly changing sea conditions.
Because of these factors, approvals—when granted—are usually limited to specific times and locations.
How to request permission for Ang Thong (practical process)
To maximize approval chances, prepare documents and a simple, safety-first flight plan.
Step 1 — Prepare your documents
- Passport photo page + entry stamp/visa page
- CAAT registration / pilot certificate (as applicable)
- NBTC registration proof
- Third-party liability insurance certificate (recommended and often required for registration)
- Drone details: brand/model, weight, serial number
Step 2 — Prepare a short flight plan
- Date(s) and a very specific time window (e.g., 10–15 minutes)
Exact location(s) and takeoff/landing point - Maximum altitude (keep it conservative)
- Purpose (personal footage vs. commercial filming)
- Safety measures (spotter, no overflight of people/boats, immediate landing if wildlife reacts)
Step 3 — Contact the park office in advance
Request written permission before your tour date. Provide your documents and flight plan in one message. If you are filming commercially (monetized YouTube, brand work, paid production), state it clearly—commercial shoots often require additional approval steps.
Step 4 — Re-confirm on the day
Even with written permission, show it to the ranger/visitor center before you launch. If conditions are unsafe or the area is crowded, rangers can refuse flights on-site.
Commercial filming: what changes
Commercial filming is treated more strictly than personal footage. You may be asked for additional details such as:
- Production purpose and distribution (platform/channel/brand)
- Crew list and equipment list
- Exact filming schedule and locations
- Insurance details and responsible person on-site
- Agreement to follow ranger instructions at all times
Common mistakes that cause problems
- Assuming Thailand-wide registration automatically allows flying in a national park.
- Launching near crowds, viewpoints, or swimming areas.
- Flying too high or letting the drone drift with wind.
- No insurance proof or missing registration evidence.
- Arguing on-site instead of showing a clear permission letter and flight plan.
Copy-ready wording for your website
Drones in Ang Thong National Marine Park
Drone flights are restricted inside the national park. If you want to fly a drone, you must request permission in advance and follow all Thai drone regulations. Approval is not guaranteed and may be refused on the day for safety or wildlife protection. Please bring your registration and insurance documents and be ready to follow ranger instructions.
Quick checklist for guests
- CAAT registration / pilot certificate (if required for your drone category)
- NBTC registration proof
- Insurance certificate
- Short flight plan (time + place + safety)
- Written park permission (if granted)
- On-the-day ranger confirmation before launch
