- Photo: The Nation/ANN
BANGKOK: Deputy Transport Minister Mallika Jiraphanwanich said on Wednesday (Dec 10), the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has issued Announcement No. 12 on the “prohibition of operating or releasing unmanned aircraft (drones) in areas that may affect national security during the Thai–Cambodian border situation”.
The order took effect on Dec 9 and will remain in force until further notice.
She said the measure is necessary to ensure the safety and effectiveness of operations by officials in the border areas, and therefore, drone controls must be strictly enforced.
Airports under the Department of Airports have been instructed to closely monitor drone activity in no-fly zones, namely Buri Ram Airport and Ubon Ratchathani Airport, as well as within a 9-kilometre (5-nautical-mile) radius of the designated airports: Phitsanulok, Udon Thani and Surat Thani.
Airports have been ordered to maintain stringent and continuous safety and security measures, particularly checks and surveillance of drone use in and around airport premises.
They are to coordinate with security agencies, including police, military units and the Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Centre in their areas, to set up special surveillance points.
“These steps are aimed at ensuring maximum security for flight operations and passenger safety, as well as enabling a rapid response to any unrest along the Thai–Cambodian border,” Mallika said.
Department of Airports director-general Danai Ruangsorn said the department is fully complying with all instructions and measures.
Airports covered by the announcement are now sharing information closely with local security agencies and are on high alert for any emergency.
He added that additional officers have been deployed and patrol frequency inside airport areas has been increased to maximise safety for travellers.
Airports have also put up notices and launched public announcements to inform people of the absolute ban on drone flights in restricted areas around airports.
Danai warned that anyone who violates the drone ban in these restricted zones will face legal action under the relevant laws.
The public to immediately report any drone activity that appears illegal or could pose a threat to security to the responsible authorities so they can take prompt action. - The Nation/ANN
