Thailand Bans Drone Flights Over Bangkok for IMF-World Bank Meeting
Thailand has banned all drone flights in Bangkok’s VT R1 airspace on October 16 to safeguard the IMF–World Bank Annual Meeting 2026. Violators risk up to one year in prison, a fine of 40,000 baht, or both. Authorities require special permission via the UAS Portal for any essential drone flights and must notify the police anti‑drone unit.
On Oct 15, 2026, Ms. Ploytale Lakhasangchan, Deputy Government Spokesperson, announced that the Ministry of Transport, through the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), has issued a notice prohibiting the operation or release of unmanned aircraft (drones) in the restricted VT R1 Bangkok City zone from 00:01 to 23:59 on October 16. The measure supports security and public order during the IMF–World Bank Annual Meetings 2026, which will be attended by senior officials at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center and related venues in Bangkok.
Ms. Ploytale said the notice is part of joint efforts with the anti‑drone unit of the Metropolitan Police Bureau to prevent risks and threats from drone use during the international meeting. Drone flights in VT R1 Bangkok City are temporarily cancelled for the specified period.
For drone operations related to the meeting, applicants must submit advance requests via the UAS Portal and can fly only after receiving approval from the CAAT director. Authorized operators must also provide flight details—area, date, time, and purpose—through the UAS Portal, notify the Metropolitan Police Bureau’s anti‑drone center via email at [email protected], and strictly comply with all conditions set by the authorities.
The government urges drone owners, operators, and the public to refrain from flying drones in the prohibited area to support security and ensure the international meeting proceeds smoothly. Anyone violating the ban faces up to one year in prison, a fine of up to 40,000 baht, or both, under Section 78(1) of the Air Navigation Act, B.E. 2497, as amended.
