Thailand Reports Drone Incursions Along Cambodian Border
Thai officials say most surveillance drones detected near the border originated from Cambodia, prompting enhanced monitoring and restrictions
Thai defence authorities have confirmed that the majority of unmanned aerial vehicles observed conducting surveillance operations near the Thai-Cambodian border in recent days originated from Cambodian territory.
Deputy Defence Minister General Nattaphon Narkphanit stated that the incursions have been documented with photographic and geolocation evidence.
A drone detected in Surin province on Sunday evening was identified as having launched from within Thailand.
The developments come ahead of a General Border Committee (GBC) meeting scheduled for Thursday, which will be attended by General Nattaphon and Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister General Tea Seiha.
A secretariat-level meeting of the GBC began on Sunday in preparation for the bilateral session.
Despite a temporary ban on civilian drone use enacted on 29 July to prevent interference with military activities, authorities report continued drone activity in the border region by Thai nationals.
General Nattaphon dismissed Cambodian claims that Thai drones had entered their airspace, asserting that the observed drones were likely Cambodian devices returning from operations over Thai territory.
Enforcement of the drone ban includes penalties of up to one year in prison, a fine of forty thousand baht, or both.
The Thai government has urged private operators, including agricultural enterprises, to coordinate with relevant agencies before conducting any drone flights near restricted areas.
The Royal Thai Air Force has asked the public to report suspicious drone activity to local authorities or via the national security hotline 1374.
In response to the repeated sightings, Lieutenant General Boonsin Padklang, commander of the Second Army Region responsible for provinces bordering Cambodia, confirmed that provincial governors have been instructed to procure anti-drone systems to strengthen surveillance and border security.
Authorities have not released further details regarding the origin points of the drones, with investigations ongoing under the jurisdiction of the Royal Thai Air Force.
Deputy Defence Minister General Nattaphon Narkphanit stated that the incursions have been documented with photographic and geolocation evidence.
A drone detected in Surin province on Sunday evening was identified as having launched from within Thailand.
The developments come ahead of a General Border Committee (GBC) meeting scheduled for Thursday, which will be attended by General Nattaphon and Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister General Tea Seiha.
A secretariat-level meeting of the GBC began on Sunday in preparation for the bilateral session.
Despite a temporary ban on civilian drone use enacted on 29 July to prevent interference with military activities, authorities report continued drone activity in the border region by Thai nationals.
General Nattaphon dismissed Cambodian claims that Thai drones had entered their airspace, asserting that the observed drones were likely Cambodian devices returning from operations over Thai territory.
Enforcement of the drone ban includes penalties of up to one year in prison, a fine of forty thousand baht, or both.
The Thai government has urged private operators, including agricultural enterprises, to coordinate with relevant agencies before conducting any drone flights near restricted areas.
The Royal Thai Air Force has asked the public to report suspicious drone activity to local authorities or via the national security hotline 1374.
In response to the repeated sightings, Lieutenant General Boonsin Padklang, commander of the Second Army Region responsible for provinces bordering Cambodia, confirmed that provincial governors have been instructed to procure anti-drone systems to strengthen surveillance and border security.
Authorities have not released further details regarding the origin points of the drones, with investigations ongoing under the jurisdiction of the Royal Thai Air Force.
