diff --git a/pcbnew/drc/drc_test_provider_copper_clearance.cpp b/pcbnew/drc/drc_test_provider_copper_clearance.cpp
index f79737f050..630c9461b5 100644
--- a/pcbnew/drc/drc_test_provider_copper_clearance.cpp
+++ b/pcbnew/drc/drc_test_provider_copper_clearance.cpp
@@ -500,15 +500,18 @@ bool DRC_TEST_PROVIDER_COPPER_CLEARANCE::testPadAgainstItem( PAD* pad, SHAPE* pa
     bool testShorting = !m_drcEngine->IsErrorLimitExceeded( DRCE_SHORTING_ITEMS );
     bool testHoles = !m_drcEngine->IsErrorLimitExceeded( DRCE_HOLE_CLEARANCE );
 
-    FOOTPRINT* padParent = static_cast<FOOTPRINT*>( pad->GetParent() );
-    bool       isNetTie = padParent->IsNetTie();
-
-    // Graphic items are allowed to act as net-ties within their own footprint
-    if( isNetTie
-            && ( other->Type() == PCB_FP_SHAPE_T || other->Type() == PCB_PAD_T )
-            && other->GetParent() == padParent )
+    // Disable some tests *within* a single footprint
+    if( other->GetParent() == pad->GetParent() )
     {
-        testClearance = false;
+        FOOTPRINT* fp = static_cast<FOOTPRINT*>( pad->GetParent() );
+
+        // Graphic items are allowed to act as net-ties within their own footprint
+        if( fp->IsNetTie() && ( other->Type() == PCB_FP_SHAPE_T || other->Type() == PCB_PAD_T ) )
+            testClearance = false;
+
+        // CADSTAR implements thermal vias using pads insteads of vias
+        if( fp->AllowThermalPads() && other->Type() == PCB_PAD_T )
+            testHoles = false;
     }
 
     if( pad->GetAttribute() == PAD_ATTRIB_NPTH && !pad->FlashLayer( layer ) )
diff --git a/pcbnew/footprint.h b/pcbnew/footprint.h
index 09f2a0bf63..3414b008fe 100644
--- a/pcbnew/footprint.h
+++ b/pcbnew/footprint.h
@@ -236,7 +236,16 @@ public:
     int GetFlag() const { return m_arflag; }
 
     // A bit of a hack until net ties are supported as first class citizens
-    bool IsNetTie() const { return GetKeywords().StartsWith( wxT( "net tie" ) ); }
+    bool IsNetTie() const
+    {
+        return GetKeywords().StartsWith( wxT( "net tie" ) );
+    }
+
+    // Might as well keep all the hacks in the same place....
+    bool AllowThermalPads() const
+    {
+        return GetKeywords().StartsWith( wxT( "allow thermal pads" ) );
+    }
 
     void Move( const wxPoint& aMoveVector ) override;
 
diff --git a/pcbnew/plugins/cadstar/cadstar_pcb_archive_loader.cpp b/pcbnew/plugins/cadstar/cadstar_pcb_archive_loader.cpp
index 1282448a8b..1e8cd07d9d 100644
--- a/pcbnew/plugins/cadstar/cadstar_pcb_archive_loader.cpp
+++ b/pcbnew/plugins/cadstar/cadstar_pcb_archive_loader.cpp
@@ -655,6 +655,7 @@ void CADSTAR_PCB_ARCHIVE_LOADER::loadComponentLibrary()
                                               wxT( "" ) );
         FOOTPRINT* footprint = new FOOTPRINT( m_board );
         footprint->SetPosition( getKiCadPoint( component.Origin ) );
+        footprint->SetKeywords( wxT( "allow thermal pads" ) );
 
         LIB_ID libID;
         libID.Parse( fpName, true );