Flying a drone may feel easy, but the reality is that it is not just about having fun with the sky as your playground.
In Asean countries, while drone use is permitted, it comes with a set of clear restrictions, protocols and legal obligations that hobbyists must respect.
These rules are designed to ensure airspace safety, national security, public safety and safeguarding privacy.
Before take-off, there’s a checklist that you will need to follow: where to fly, how high the drone can go and if a permit or licence is needed.
Failure to comply with local rules can lead one into trouble.
Below are the key rules for five popular Asean destinations:
Max altitude generally no more than 120 metres. A permit is needed from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM).
No online application. It can only be done manually.
Flying without approval can result in a RM50,000 fine and the confiscation of the drone.
The maximum altitude for recreational use is approximately 60 metres.
A drone weighing over 250gm must be registered with the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS). A permit is required for heavier drones or flights near restricted zones/airports.
Online registration for the permit is available.
Max altitude is 150 metres.
No licence required for drones under 2kg and flown as a hobby.
No flying is allowed near airports, restricted zones or in daylight-only operations. Additionally, a visual line of sight is required, and flights must be maintained at least 15km from the airport.
Max altitude is 90 metres.
All drones equipped with recording equipment or weighing more than 2kg must be registered with the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) and the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC).
Online application is available via CAAT’s UAS portal.
Flights are only allowed during daylight hours, between 6am and 6pm.
Max altitude is 120 metres.
Foreign operators must obtain prior authorisation, as they are strict on this matter.
Approval takes between 7–14 working days, and must be secured before entering the country.
