Traveling to Thailand

[nick007]

Hey guys.
Well last night I finally grew a pair and purchased my round trip flight from Kansas City, Mo to Bangkok, Thailand. I will be routing through S Korea on my way.As far as I know I will be able to bring my Mavic 2 batteries with me, but i must have them in my carry on. Has anyone on here had any experience in dealing with the airlines and/or customs personnel in regards to traveling internationally with your suas? Are there any countries where customs might act suspiciously towards you because you have a drone with you?

 

[dawgpilot]

Have you researched the legal rules involving flying in Thailand? They are significantly more strict there in regards to drones. For example, I believe you need to obtain Thai permits and local insurance to be allowed to fly there.

 

[Thomas B]

Recommend LIPO bags for all batteries. Here’s a link to drone regs by state and country. It has the contact info for each. Hope this reference will at least get you started. Get going on it as the wheels often move slowly.

Master List of Drone Laws (Organized by State / Country) l UAV Coach

Looking for drone laws by U.S. state or by country? On this page, we’ve done our best to lay out drone law links to help you better navigate the UAV industry in your respective U.S. state or country.

uavcoach.com

 

[dawgpilot]

Recommend LIPO bags for all batteries. Here’s a link to drone regs by state and country. It has the contact info for each. Hope this reference will at least get you started. Get going on it as the wheels often move slowly.

Master List of Drone Laws (Organized by State / Country) l UAV Coach

Looking for drone laws by U.S. state or by country? On this page, we’ve done our best to lay out drone law links to help you better navigate the UAV industry in your respective U.S. state or country.

uavcoach.com

This is a better link to Thailand info. UAVCoach seems to leave out a lot of details.

 

[nick007]

Have you researched the legal rules involving flying in Thailand? They are significantly more strict there in regards to drones. For example, I believe you need to obtain Thai permits and local insurance to be allowed to fly there.

I have not but I absolutely will, thank you for mentioning it. I love this forum because it's almost like using a hive mind in order to figure out the solution to a problem

 

[nick007]

Recommend LIPO bags for all batteries. Here’s a link to drone regs by state and country. It has the contact info for each. Hope this reference will at least get you started. Get going on it as the wheels often move slowly.

Master List of Drone Laws (Organized by State / Country) l UAV Coach

Looking for drone laws by U.S. state or by country? On this page, we’ve done our best to lay out drone law links to help you better navigate the UAV industry in your respective U.S. state or country.

uavcoach.com

That appears to be exactly what I'm needing to look at. I have 2 months before I depart so I need to get going

 

[Thomas B]

That appears to be exactly what I'm needing to look at. I have 2 months before I depart so I need to get going

Do take a look at the site posted by dawgpilot above also. But proceed expeditiously with contacting them.

 

[nick007]

I have not but I absolutely will, thank you for mentioning it. I love this forum because it's almost like using a hive mind in order to figure out the solution to a problem

This is a better link to Thailand info. UAVCoach seems to leave out a lot of details.

• Does it seem like they will not even allow me to bring my drone into the country if I do not have a recreation permit?

 

[nick007]

Do take a look at the site posted by dawgpilot above also. But proceed expeditiously with contacting them.

It seems like they want you to pay them to get your permit for you. Seems a bit suspicious especially since they also are demanding a photocopy of your passport. Do you know anybody who has traveled to Thailand with an suas in recent years?

 

[nick007]

Do take a look at the site posted by dawgpilot above also. But proceed expeditiously with contacting them.
[/QUOTES

It would appear I'm going to be able to obtain a permit from a local police station when I get there, but I definitely still will need to do a thorough amount of research before going if I don't want to get drone jacked by customs. This is what it says in regards to permits on one site,"If you will be going to Thailand soon (in a few days or weeks), you can bring your drone with you and take it to a police station to obtain the permit once you arrive in Thailand"

 

[Thomas B]

If you will be changing planes be sure to check out South Korea also.
Looking forward to some pics on your return.

 

[nick007]

If you will be changing planes be sure to check out South Korea also.
Looking forward to some pics on your return.

Do you think I will need to register the thing in S Korea as well even if I'm just connecting through there? I'll be sure to get some fantastic footage while I'm there and I've even got some filters on the way from Amazon. It seems like it's a common theme in youtube travel videos now for individuals to employ the use of aerial photography in travel guide videos

 

[jpthroughthelens]

Hey guys.
Well last night I finally grew a pair and purchased my round trip flight from Kansas City, Mo to Bangkok, Thailand. I will be routing through S Korea on my way.As far as I know I will be able to bring my Mavic 2 batteries with me, but i must have them in my carry on. Has anyone on here had any experience in dealing with the airlines and/or customs personnel in regards to traveling internationally with your suas? Are there any countries where customs might act suspiciously towards you because you have a drone with you?

Alright - I am going to answer your question(s) as best as I can, but this is all recent information regarding a drone in thailand. I just returned about 2 weeks ago from spending time in Thailand as well as Cambodia so everything I am saying is based on what I have personally done. First off, you will have ZERO issues flying with the drone or going through customs. I flew into China for a layover and had no issues there, but I would recommend a LIPO bag off Amazon to carry all your batteries in, for one. It is not necessarily a requirement, per se, but having your batteries in a LIPO bag makes airlines happier about carrying 3+ Lithium Ion batteries. I just put the drone (in its case) in a tray with my phone, laptop, and DSLR camera as I would any regular electronics. As far as getting a permit or insurance to fly there, I did NOT get either. Now, my drones were registered with the FAA and had the necessary stickers for that, I did not get anything extra for international use. However, I would just be smart about where you fly - like Lumpini Park in downtown Bangkok, dont fly there, if caught, your drone will be confiscated and you will most likely pay a fine. I managed to get some footage of Bangkok by flying my drone off the balcony of my AirBnB and just made it quick, got my shots/footage, and brought it back down. Also, when in Phuket, I got to the big Buddha statue for sunrise, i used google translate to ask the security guard if I could fly my drone, he had no issues with it. Same with Koh Phi Phi Island and Phi Phi Lee. I flew it, but I just made sure I was very careful about not crashing it into anyone and not invading anyone's privacy (or making them feel I was). But overall, I had no issues flying around Thailand, but if it is at a temple or sacred site, I would either A) not fly there, or B) ask security and get there early. Most temples like Wat Pho in Bangkok, you are def not gonna fly there, but you might be able to get some aerial shots from outside the temple grounds, but again, be careful flying around temples. You shouldn't have any issues there. Again, this is purely anecdotal and based off my personal experience, but it is relevant and recent so I hope that helps. If you have any questions about Thailand or where to eat in what cities, I can definitely recommend some good spots. Last thing - I didnt stay long in Bangkok because I heard it wasn't worth staying more than a couple days - WRONG. 4 days in bangkok (1 to adjust to the time, 3 to explore) is 100% worth it. The street food alone can keep you busy for 3-4 days and its insanely cheap. Hope you have fun! Thailand is an amazing place. Cheers.

 

[John Gowland]

I fly to Bangkok in 6 days and have my 19 day stay in Thailand planed out. Awaiting my drone registration acceptance. Sorry you cannot fly under any circumstances within Bangkok, it’s a 19-kilometre radius. If you get caught it will be heavy duty. Jail and big fine. I take a lot of risks but would not do that one.
Richard Barrow in Thailand
How to register your drone in Thailand
To fly anywhere in Thailand you need to register your drone which is very difficult to do unless you live there or you have been within the last year and have a tourist or any entry visa in your passport, then you can employ an agent, as I have done, and they will guide you through the complex process.
Two or so years ago it was amazing to fly in Thailand no problems at all. Now they make it very difficult to do so legally. You can still risk it as long as you are away from people. Many do this and not encountered issues. This will be my 20th, about, trip.
There have been no issues, to date, of bringing a drone into Thailand with or without registration.
Airports don’t seem to know or care how you carry your batteries as long as you do not put them in the hold. So, carry on only. I put mine in plastic food bags. I have 4 Phantom and 3 Mavic 2. As long as the connectors are covered but again, airport staff only seem to know you have to have them carry on.
After you arrive, whatever you do, always carry about 1 or 2,000 Thai baht to help in difficult situations.
Then, have a ball, Thailand is an amazing place to take a holiday.

 

[Thomas B]

Wonder if some “palm grease” might have fixed it. Works in Mexico and Beliz.

 

[Thomas B]

Check this out mate, I downloaded Cathay Pacific battery regulations from DJI site.

https://www.google.com.vn/url?sa=t&...Vaw1jAHuNKS5UclBmxAJYrMY-&cshid=1554428224788

[/URL]

Sorry, just gives me a redirect notice, doesn’t load the page.

 

[Thomas B]

Just googled it... nothing bigger than a “C” battery?!

 

[Thomas B]

Sorry, try this; C type no no true I thought that but it's the amount of lithium in the battery.

Essential Drone Travel Tips - All You Need to Know Taking a Drone on an Airplane

Heading off on your first vacation with a DJI drone? Check out these practical drone travel tips so that you can fly with peace of mind.

store.dji.com

Check out the link I posted above in this thread... . but here’s the other reference I use for specific drone laws by country.... still you gotta get there!

Thailand Drone Laws | UAV Systems International

Thailand drone laws applicable when flying a drone or UAV in Thailand. Information on general laws, and commercial laws in Thailand. Stay updated new info..

www.uavsystemsinternational.com

 

[John Gowland]

Evans12 I am so sorry this happened to you. Two years ago flying in Thailand was heaven. no one gave a **** in fact everyone was so positive. Now it's gone horribly wrong. Even the locals get nasty about it. Which is why I have only fly way off the beaten track. I have just got my NBTC registration today! And my insurance last week. How long has your application been in for the CAAT registration Evans12? Mine has been in for about two weeks.
Even if my CAAT reg comes through seems like I will still be flying from the top of mountains.
Thanks so much for your message, I did toy with the idea of going to the Police station in Patong, the main one near the hospital, to get local permission, I think based on your experience I am not going to bother now.
But I am now thinking of not staying in Thailand for long, I land in Bangkok. I may get a ticket to Hanoi, tickets are as low as $110-$200 return. Such a shame we put so much energy and effort in doing the right thing as you said Evans12 and it all seems a waste of time sometimes.
Would love to see some footage or messages with more details of your flying in Vietnam.

 

[gracebkk]

I fly to Bangkok in 6 days and have my 19 day stay in Thailand planed out. Awaiting my drone registration acceptance. Sorry you cannot fly under any circumstances within Bangkok, it’s a 19-kilometre radius. If you get caught it will be heavy duty. Jail and big fine. I take a lot of risks but would not do that one.
Richard Barrow in Thailand
How to register your drone in Thailand
To fly anywhere in Thailand you need to register your drone which is very difficult to do unless you live there or you have been within the last year and have a tourist or any entry visa in your passport, then you can employ an agent, as I have done, and they will guide you through the complex process.
Two or so years ago it was amazing to fly in Thailand no problems at all. Now they make it very difficult to do so legally. You can still risk it as long as you are away from people. Many do this and not encountered issues. This will be my 20th, about, trip.
There have been no issues, to date, of bringing a drone into Thailand with or without registration.
Airports don’t seem to know or care how you carry your batteries as long as you do not put them in the hold. So, carry on only. I put mine in plastic food bags. I have 4 Phantom and 3 Mavic 2. As long as the connectors are covered but again, airport staff only seem to know you have to have them carry on.
After you arrive, whatever you do, always carry about 1 or 2,000 Thai baht to help in difficult situations.
Then, have a ball, Thailand is an amazing place to take a holiday.

Hi. May I know which agent you used to help apply for your Thai drone permit? I'm currently searching for one and the only one I found is Drone Thai Insur (which is unresponsive). Thanks.