Military forces in Ubon Ratchathani are monitoring suspicious drones.
Thailand has imposed a nationwide ban on all drone (UAV) flights until at least August 15, 2025, due to heightened tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border. This ban, which covers all provinces, has special emphasis on sensitive zones near the border, with the only exception being authorized security agencies such as the military and police.
The ban extends to all types of drones, not just those in border areas. Violations of this ban could result in severe penalties, including fines up to 40,000 baht, imprisonment up to one year, or both. The military is authorized to shoot down or destroy unauthorized drones that breach the ban.
In addition to the border zones, drone flights are also forbidden within a 9-kilometer (5 nautical mile) radius of any airport across Thailand to ensure air safety.
The ban is a response to recent clashes along the border, during which the Royal Thai Air Force has actively deployed fighter jets (F-16s and Gripens). The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) urges the public to report any drone activity during the ban via designated channels such as CAAT UAV Standards Division and local military or police offices.
The banned provinces include Buri Ram, Chai Nat, Chanthaburi, Lop Buri, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Sawan, Phetchabun, Phichit, Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo, Si Sa Ket, Surin, Trat, and Ubon Ratchathani. However, details about the drone activity in Bangkok are still not known.
ACM Punpakdee Pattanakul, the air force commander, made a statement about the drones on Wednesday, suggesting that the drones detected in Bangkok might be harmless civilian models. The CAAT's drone ban does not affect the ongoing investigation into the unknown drones detected near Wing 21 in Ubon Ratchathani.
The CAAT has not specified an end date for the drone ban in the mentioned provinces. It's important to note that the ban does not apply to drones used for official purposes with prior approval. Violators of the drone ban in Thailand face punishment of up to one year in prison and/or up to 40,000 baht in fines.
In summary, the current drone ban in Thailand is a response to the security risks arising from the ongoing Thai-Cambodian border tensions. The ban is actively enforced with legal and military measures until at least mid-August 2025. The public is encouraged to report any drone activity during this period to the relevant authorities.
Technology news reports that Thailand's drone ban, issuing severe penalties for violations, extends beyond border zones and also prohibits drone flights within a 9-kilometer radius of any airport across the country. The general-news context emphasizes the ban is a response to security risks and ongoing Thai-Cambodian border tensions.
