CAAT Bans Drone Flights Over Bangkok During IMF-World Bank Meeting
Thailand’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAAT) has prohibited all drone flights in the VT R1 Bangkok City airspace on 16 October to ensure security during the IMF–World Bank Annual Meeting 2026. The ban applies for 24 hours and covers the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre and surrounding areas in Bangkok. Authorized drone operations related to the event must obtain prior approval via the UAS Portal and coordinate with police antidrone units, with violators facing up to one year in jail or a fine of 40,000 baht.
Thailand’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAAT) has declared a 24‑hour prohibition on operating or launching any unmanned aircraft (drones) in the restricted VT R1 Bangkok City zone on 16 October. The measure supports security arrangements for the IMF–World Bank Annual Meeting 2026, which will be held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre and related venues in Bangkok, especially the Annual Meeting Plenary attended by senior officials. While the ban is comprehensive, drone flights that are directly linked to the event may proceed only after submitting an advance request through the UAS Portal and receiving explicit approval from the CAAT director; authorized operators must also share flight details via the portal and coordinate with the Metropolitan Police Bureau’s Drone Control and Counter‑Unmanned Aircraft Systems Centre at antidrone.police@gmail.com. CAAT urges all drone owners and operators to verify the area and timing before flying, warning that violators face up to one year’s imprisonment, a fine of up to 40,000 baht, or both.
