Singaporean arrested in Pattaya for flying drone amid nationwide ban

A Singaporean man was arrested in Thailand on Aug 7 for flying a drone to take photos at a Pattaya tourist attraction.

The man, identified as a 44-year-old tourist surnamed Goh by Pattaya Special Affairs officers, was said to have flown a drone along the city's entertainment district Walking Street 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 the Walking Street at night.

Walking Street is a famous district 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.