THAILAND: A Singaporean man was arrested in Pattaya for flying a drone to capture an overhead view of a popular pedestrian street, in violation of a nationwide drone ban imposed by the Thai government amid border tensions with Cambodia.
The 44-year-old tourist, surnamed Goh, was apprehended at around 12:20am on 7 August along Walking Street in Bang Lamung district, according to Thai media reports.
He was allegedly piloting the drone to film the one-kilometre stretch, known for its vibrant nightlife and heavy foot traffic in the evenings.
Goh was subsequently taken to Pattaya City Police Station for questioning.
Through an interpreter, Goh reportedly told police that he was an avid photographer and had launched the drone to capture a high-angle view of the area, Thaiger reported.
However, he did not possess the required permit to operate a drone in Thailand.
Under Section 78 of the Thai Aviation Act of 1954, flying a drone without authorisation is a criminal offence, punishable by up to one year’s imprisonment, a fine not exceeding 40,000 baht (approximately S$1,600), or both.
Authorities seized several items from Goh, including the drone, remote control, spare lithium batteries, drone control glasses, and a black shoulder bag.
Charges have been filed against him, and the case will be referred to the Royal Thai Police.
Goh’s arrest follows a similar incident on 3 August involving a Swedish tourist who was caught flying a drone near a Pattaya beach.
According to Thai media outlet Khaosod, the Swedish national was released with a warning and had his device confiscated.
Thailand’s Drone Activity Ban
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) imposed a nationwide ban on all drone activity from 30 July to 15 August, or until further notice.
The restriction was introduced amid national security concerns, following increased military operations and tensions along Thailand’s border with Cambodia.
Military personnel have been authorised to destroy any unmanned aircraft deemed a threat to national security.
On 6 August, Thailand’s acting Prime Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, said that the government had tightened security measures, including for drones, following the arrest of a Cambodian soldier suspected of espionage in Thailand.
He added that drone permits would now be limited to agricultural zones outside the seven border provinces and granted on a case-by-case basis.
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