BANGKOK, Thailand – The Ministry of Energy has ordered stricter security measures for offshore petroleum platforms in the Gulf of Thailand, power plants, and other critical energy infrastructure following the detection of unidentified drones in offshore production areas.
Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and ministry spokesperson Veerapat Kiatfuengfoo reported that unidentified drones have operated near offshore oil and gas installations since December 7. 2025, following armed clashes along the Thai–Cambodian border. The ministry is keeping a close watch on the situation in coordination with relevant agencies.
The Department of Mineral Fuels, which regulates petroleum exploration and production, has collaborated with all concessionaires and contractors to strengthen safety and security. Measures include increased surveillance of personnel, assets, and suspicious vessels, as well as unmanned aircraft in production zones.
In recent weeks, operators have detected unidentified vessels and drones near several offshore production facilities in the Gulf of Thailand. In response, the ministry met with all offshore petroleum operators to establish preventive measures and reduce emergency risks.
Key measures include increased monitoring of vessels and drones entering production areas, immediate expulsion of intruding vessels with prompt notification to the Royal Thai Navy and Department of Mineral Fuels if needed, immediate reporting of drone sightings to authorities to ensure offshore personnel safety, temporary restrictions on nighttime offshore worker transfers, and review of maritime sabotage contingency plans to enhance security preparedness.
The ministry confirmed that petroleum production remains unaffected and pledged ongoing close monitoring of offshore platforms, power plants, and all energy infrastructure with relevant agencies to safeguard national energy security. (NNT)
