Bangkok: The government has announced a ban on drone flights in 14 designated areas along the Thai border, citing national security concerns. The Thai military assures the presence of an anti-drone system at the border, while airlines adjust flight routes to neighboring countries.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Jirayu Huangsap, spokesman for the Prime Minister’s Office and the Committee on the Special Task Force for the Administration of the Thai-Cambodian Border Situation (SCBS), stated that the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has prohibited drone flights in areas identified as potential threats to national security. This decision comes amidst heightened tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border, affecting seven border provinces. The CAAT has identified that the operation of unmanned aircraft in these areas could compromise national security and disrupt peace and order.
The designated areas include Chanthaburi Province’s Khao Soidao Tai, Trat Province’s Khao Khlong OA, Koh Kood, Surin Province, Buriram Province, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, and others, with specific codes assigned to each. The ban also encompasses a radius of 9 kilometers from any airport or temporary aircraft takeoff and landing area, prohibiting all types of drones.
Mr. Jirayu emphasized that the Thai military and relevant aviation agencies have confirmed the deployment of a system to counter unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones that may attempt to cross into Thai territory. These systems, which utilize radio frequencies for control, are part of a comprehensive drone control system designed to prevent unauthorized drones from breaching Thailand’s borders.
The CAAT is actively monitoring the situation in coordination with related agencies to ensure the safe operation of airlines and aircraft entering and exiting the country. While minor adjustments have been made to flight routes to avoid conflict zones in Cambodia, Vietnam, and the Philippines, the CAAT assures that these changes remain within acceptable limits, allowing flights to continue smoothly.