BANGKOK, Thailand – The National Security Council (NSC) has announced urgent measures to address unauthorized drone activity following recent detections in restricted and security-sensitive areas, including airports and border provinces. Authorities warned that such activity poses a serious threat to national security and carries severe legal penalties.
NSC Secretary-General Chatchai Bangchuad said the council reviewed situation reports indicating drones operating within controlled airspace, some of which appeared to be improvised or custom-built. Investigations are underway to determine their origin and intended use amid concerns over risks to public safety and critical infrastructure.
In response, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand has designated controlled airspace covering seven border provinces, major airports, and other key locations nationwide, effective Dec. 20. The designation strengthens oversight and limits unauthorized drone operations in sensitive areas.
The NSC has directed relevant agencies to take decisive action, including preventive measures, intelligence gathering, investigations, and the deployment of anti-drone systems. The Ministry of Defense has been authorized to ease certain regulatory requirements to allow agencies to procure anti-drone equipment classified as military hardware. Authorities have also ordered stricter controls on drone imports and intensified efforts to curb smuggling along the border areas.
Officials reiterated that flying drones in high-risk zones, especially security-sensitive locations such as airports, constitutes a serious criminal offense under Thai law. Violators face extremely severe penalties, including the possibility of the death penalty, to deter threats and safeguard national security. (NNT)
