Thailand imposes flyzone restrictions on drones amidst escalating Cambodia tensions; tourists advised to avoid potential penalties including imprisonment and fines.
Thailand Imposes Nationwide Drone Ban Amidst Ceasefire Tensions with Cambodia
Thailand has imposed an urgent and strict ban on the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) across the country, effective immediately and lasting until August 15, 2025. The ban is primarily in response to the ceasefire tensions between Thailand and Cambodia in sensitive border areas [1][3][4].
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) is enforcing the ban, with coordination from the Royal Thai Army and security forces. Any violation of the ban can result in imprisonment for up to one year, a fine of up to 40,000 baht (US$1,230), or both, under Section 78(1) of the Air Navigation Act B.E. 2497 (1954) and amendments [1].
The ban prohibits absolute drone flight in specific areas deemed critical to national security, including Thai-Cambodian border zones and a 9-kilometre radius around airports or temporary landing facilities [1]. The Royal Thai Army has also set up rapid response units to intercept and apprehend drone operators near sensitive military and border areas [3].
In a statement, the Thai aviation authority has authorized military and security forces to neutralize unauthorized drones deemed a threat, prioritizing “soft kill” methods but using “hard kill” measures with high-precision weapons if necessary, with strict rules to avoid civilian harm [3].
Before this temporary ban, general drone regulations required all drones with cameras and weighing 2 kg or more to be registered with CAAT, and commercial drone operations and heavier drones required additional permits [2]. However, under the current ceasefire-related security measures, all drone flights in critical zones and nationwide are prohibited irrespective of prior registration [1][3].
The ban primarily affects social media influencers and hobbyists who use drones for capturing footage. Some tourists have expressed frustration over the confiscation of their drones, claiming they were unaware of the ban. Local media reports indicate that some tourists are unaware of the ban on UAVs [5].
Destinations like Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Pattaya are among those affected by the ban despite being far from the eastern conflict zone. The ban on UAVs is expected to affect thousands of foreign visitors in Thailand [6].
It is important to note that the ban does not exclude military and security forces from their use. The ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia is 'unconditional' [7].
References:
- Thailand imposes ban on drones amid border tensions with Cambodia
- Thailand drone regulations
- Thailand bans drones nationwide amid border tension with Cambodia
- Thailand imposes strict ban on drones amid border tension with Cambodia
- Some tourists unaware of Thailand's drone ban
- Thailand's drone ban to affect thousands of foreign visitors
- Thailand and Cambodia sign unconditional ceasefire agreement
- The ongoing political tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have extended to the international stage, with military involvement, as evidenced by the recent war-and-conflicts between the two countries.
- In light of the current political climate, the general news in Thailand has been dominated by discussions and reporting on the ceasefire agreement, including the nationwide drone ban and its implications for the lifestyle of social media influencers, hobbyists, and tourists.
- The Thai government's decision to restrict travel activities, such as drone flights, in sensitive border areas points to the far-reaching impact of war-and-conflicts and politics on everyday lifestyles, particularly during times of heightened tension.
