Bangkok: The Department of Provincial Administration is intensifying its efforts to counter the "drone threat," mandating local administrative officials, kamnans, village heads, and Village Defense Volunteers (VDVs) to patrol designated areas. Should drone operators be identified, they are to be apprehended and delivered to authorities for immediate investigation.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Nirat Phongsitthaworn, Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration, has delegated Mr. Wirun Sittiwong, Deputy Director-General, to participate in a meeting aimed at discussing urgent measures addressing the "drone threat." The meeting, led by General Songwit Noonpakdee, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, produced significant resolutions.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has implemented a nationwide prohibition on all drone flights to safeguard geographic information and national security. The meeting disclosed that since July 29, 2015, a considerable number of drones have been detected in various regions, notably along the Thai-Cambodian border and in military-controlled areas. These drones are believed to be operated by adversarial forces.
The meeting called for the Department of Provincial Administration and the Ministry of Interior to ensure administrative officials, kamnans, village headmen, and Village Defense Volunteers (VDPs) actively patrol these areas. Any identified drone operators are to be detained and turned over to authorities for thorough investigation. The Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Armed Forces will issue a communication to all provincial governors within the day.