The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has issued an announcement temporarily prohibiting the operation of unmanned aircraft, commonly known as drones, within the VT R1 Bangkok City restricted area throughout 16 October 2026. The measure aims to support security and public safety operations during the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group, held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center and other designated locations across Bangkok. Particular emphasis is placed on the Annual Meeting Plenary on 16 October 2026, which will be attended by high-level representatives of the IMF and the World Bank Group.
The announcement supports the security operations of the Anti-Drone Centre, Metropolitan Police Bureau, with the objective of preventing potential risks and threats associated with unauthorized drone operations during this major international event. Accordingly, CAAT has temporarily suspended the general authorization previously granted for drone operations within the VT R1 Bangkok City restricted area, in accordance with the applicable regulatory provisions. The restriction will be in effect from 00:01 to 23:59 hrs. on 16 October 2026. During this period, all drone operations within the designated restricted area are prohibited unless specifically authorized.
However, drone operations directly related to the Annual Meetings may be permitted under specific conditions. Operators must submit an application in advance through the UAS Portal application and may conduct flights only after obtaining authorization from the Director General of CAAT. Prior to each authorized flight, operators must submit details of the intended operating area, date, time, and purpose of the flight through the UAS Portal. They must also coordinate with the Anti-Drone Centre, Metropolitan Police Bureau via email at [email protected] and strictly comply with all conditions prescribed by the relevant authorities.
CAAT urges all drone owners, operators, and members of the public to carefully check the designated restricted area and applicable operating hours before conducting any drone flights, and to refrain from operating drones within the restricted area during the specified period. These measures are essential to ensuring the safety, security, and orderly conduct of the international meetings.
Any person found violating the announcement may be subject to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year, a fine not exceeding THB 40,000, or both, pursuant to Section 78(1) of the Air Navigation Act B.E. 2497 (1954), as amended.
