Flying a radio-controlled drone outfitted with a camera by members of the public will be illegal once new regulations come into effect next month.

For the sake of national security and to protect privacy, the Civil Aviation Department has prepared draft regulations for approval by the ruling junta’s cabinet as soon as next month, according to Transport Minister Prajin Junthong, which will ban their unauthorized use entirely.

Those wishing to use drones for sporting events, education or research will be able to apply for permits but must have specific flight plans approved, Prajin said.

Otherwise drones pose too great a risk to air traffic safety and national security, he said.

Under the new rules, weight, size and fuel consumption will be fixed for drones and they will not be allowed in the air for more than an hour.

Permission to fly drones must be sought from the Ministry of Transport.

Approved drone flights will be limited to a ceiling of 150 meters to avoid disrupting commercial air traffic, which mostly operates above 300 meters.

The penalties for unauthorised drone-flying will be a one year in prison and a THB40,000 fine, Thai PBS reported.

Meanwhile, check out our totally legal drone footage of empty streets during the Bangkok shutdown captured by the legally compliant drones of Coconuts TV.

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