Singaporean tourist arrested in Pattaya for flying drone amid Thailand's nationwide ban
The man, identified as a 44-year-old tourist surnamed Goh by Pattaya Special Affairs officers, was said to have flown a drone along Walking Street in the city's entertainment district without authorisation at around 12.20am on Aug 7, Thai media reported.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand on July 30 banned drone-flying nationwide amid heightened national security concerns and tensions along the kingdom's border with Cambodia.
Upon questioning through a translator, the man told Pattaya City police officers that he was a keen photographer and was operating the drone to capture a high-angle view of Walking Street at night.
Walking Street is known for its lively nightlife.
The man did not have a licence to operate an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), Thai police said.
His equipment, including the drone, a remote control, glasses and spare batteries, were confiscated by the police.
The ban on flying drones will last minimally until Aug 15, 2025, or if a decision is made, Thai aviation authorities said, with military officers authorised to shoot down illegal UAVs.
Offenders of the Air Navigation Act face a 40,000 baht (S$1,600) fine and a one-year prison term.
On Aug 3, a Swedish tourist was similarly arrested for using a drone in the vicinity of a Pattaya beach. He was released with a warning and had his device confiscated, Thai media outlet Khaosod reported.
The Straits Times has contacted Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs for more information. - The Straits Times/ANN
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