Report Pattaya Plans AI Drone Patrols to Hunt Overstayers and Crooks in Real Time

[snoop1130]

FIle photo for reference only

 

In an ambitious bid to modernise its approach to public safety, the bustling beach city of Pattaya has unveiled plans to deploy AI-powered police drones. Mayor Poramese Ngampichet, alongside Police Lieutenant Colonel Torlap Tinamat, the head of Pattaya’s Tourist Police, announced this initiative during a high-profile briefing. The goal is clear: to keep the city safe, welcoming, and free from those with outstanding legal troubles.

 

The drones are part of a broader strategy to combine technology with traditional policing methods. These drones are equipped to integrate seamlessly with a centralised AI database. This advanced system can scan crowds during major city events and identify individuals either wanted for past infractions or overstaying their visas. This innovative approach demonstrates Pattaya's commitment to leveraging technology to enhance security and efficiency, ensuring both locals and tourists feel secure.

 

"We believe this initiative will significantly boost Pattaya’s reputation as a safe haven for both visitors and residents," Mayor Poramese stated confidently. The plan isn’t just about safety; it’s about positioning Pattaya as a forward-thinking city ready to embrace the latest technological advancements for the public good.

 

While this bold move has generated excitement and support from many quarters, it's not without its critics. In his bluntly titled open letter, “Dear Sir,” Alan French, a long-time foreign visitor, raised concerns that the emphasis on high-tech policing and large-scale public events is overshadowing the city’s core needs. He accused the mayor of focusing excessively on spectacle—such as firework festivals and themed parades—rather than addressing essential aspects like infrastructure and the overall quality of life for everyday residents.

 

These criticisms underscore a broader debate within the community. As Pattaya moves towards this tech-driven future, there's a palpable tension between its innovative aspirations and the everyday practicalities that residents face. Proponents of the drone initiative argue that such measures are fitting for a city with extensive tourist traffic and will enhance security without imposing on the daily lives of those who call Pattaya home.

 

Conversely, detractors worry that this focus on advanced technology might divert attention from necessary improvements in other critical areas such as roads, public transportation, and local services. They call for a balanced development approach, ensuring the city remains not just a tourist destination but also a well-rounded community.

 

Amidst the bright promise of new technology and the practical concerns of everyday citizens, Pattaya stands at a crossroads. As the city prepares for its drones to take flight, officials find themselves tasked with bridging the gap between innovative crime prevention and maintaining a well-functioning urban environment. It’s a delicate balance, one that will require careful consideration and ongoing dialogue between city leaders and the community.

 

As Pattaya charts its future, this blend of progress and preservation will define not only its present reality but its path in the years to come. It's a journey that many will be watching with keen interest, hoping for a model that could transform urban living well beyond Pattaya's city limits.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-06-10

 

 

[Jim Blue]

Well perhaps the money might be spent on making sure we can cross roads safely without getting mowed down by bikes and honking cars.I'll take my chance with the bad guys .

[jacko45k]

Well I suppose drones could inspect buildings to get warning of chunks likely to fall off. 

[save the frogs]

Do the drones also film? 

Then there would be more video footage of street crime.

Eventually, with drones everywhere, street crime should be significantly reduced. 

 

[jacko45k]

2 minutes ago, save the frogs said:

Do the drones also film? 

Then there would be more video footage of street crime.

Eventually, with drones everywhere, street crime should be significantly reduced. 

 

Well police feet on the ground could do that too, and intervene in situations better than a drone. But yes, it all contributes. 

[KhunBENQ]

Drones over Pattaya.

Better keep your helmet on at any time.

 

What a bombastic article.

Just can't swallow it in total.

Hunt overstayers with drones.

Sounds feasible doesn't it?

 

Do involved person's have shares in a drone distributor?

 

They read too much and develop phantasies about the total control by the Chinese totalitarian regime.

Zillions of cameras, face detection etc. etc.

[save the frogs]

11 hours ago, jacko45k said:

Well police feet on the ground could do that too, and intervene in situations better than a drone. But yes, it all contributes. 

 

I wonder if the drones will morph into robocops.

 

Maybe they will have tech where the drone comes swooping down on you and tells you to not move.

And maybe tasers will be attached to the drones if you try your luck .... until the cops arrive. 

 

 

[save the frogs]

11 hours ago, KhunBENQ said:

They read too much and develop phantadies about the total control by the Chinese totalitarian regime.

Zillions of cameras, face detection etc. etc.

 

Of course many will see it a totalitarianism.

But one could also view it as a utopia where street crime will be almost nonexistant. 

No one is watching you 24/7 if you're not doing anything illegal.

Criminals need to be worried. 

[jacko45k]

2 minutes ago, save the frogs said:

 

I wonder if the drones will morph into robocops.

 

Maybe they will have tech where the drone comes swooping down on you and tells you to not move.

And maybe tasers will be attached to the drones if you try your luck .... until the cops arrive. 

 

 

Too much time on the computer playing games maybe? 

[blaze master]

Family friendly drones. 

 

My goodness if this doesn't paint a horrible picture I don't know what does.

[Bert got kinky]

 

Have we just been teletransported to 1984?

 

[Ralf001]

be great if they were armed with shoot to kill coding.

[mikebell]

Pattaya Plod has been staffed by drones for the last two decades of my memory.  It's getting them to leave their offices that's the problem.

[Dakhar]

Telephone lines + drones = bad mix

[mikeymike100]

2 hours ago, jacko45k said:

Well I suppose drones could inspect buildings to get warning of chunks likely to fall off. 

Or cranes about to fall over?

[hotchilli]

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The goal is clear: to keep the city safe, welcoming, and free from those with outstanding legal troubles.

And a drone can achieve this?

[NedR69]

Maybe use them at night also...find those tourists having sex on the beach.  

[brianbiegler]

I'm just happy everyone agrees immigration laws can be enforced. 😅

[Paul Henry]

Like traffic cameras the films will not be looked at or the excuse will be no money to process the images!

[Aleksey75]

Can the drones see through and distinguish those who overstayed their visas?!?! 

 

[Mark17AA]

I'm somewhat disappointed that there is no mention of a Hub.

[Quentin Zen]

Maybe already answered.    I just got a fresh stamp this week, so I'm OK.

 

Let's say I'm 0n overstay.    No clue if it goes into some centralized computer system, but I'm pretty sure it does.  OK.

 

Now, no clue if this information goes to every province.   

 

OK, now I travel and stay in a nice hotel.  I say "nice" because let's say 100% of the time they photocopy my passport and bring it to the police station.  Or do something online.  TM30, whatever, something.  Some do photocopy my stamp, some don't.  some really do nothing.  Let's say they follow the law.

 

I'm guessing that the police/immigration will come and arrest me.

 

correct?

 

I'm just surprised I've never seen this before.  

 

Maybe the same with trains, bus station, etc....  

[Jack1104]

And after Thailand cry because tourists go to another country...

[jaywalker-2]

2 hours ago, save the frogs said:

Do the drones also film? 

Then there would be more video footage of street crime.

Eventually, with drones everywhere, street crime should be significantly reduced. 

 

20 some-odd years ago they spent several billion baht for street cameras in BKK....only to find out they were empty boxes with no cameras inside.

[The Alien]

Trace the money to uncover who secured this contract.

[jacko45k]

2 minutes ago, Quentin Zen said:

I'm guessing that the police/immigration will come and arrest me.

Many hotels are quite keen to see your passport, and it would not take much effort to check if a guest is on overstay. I have often suspected there would be a few baht in it for the hotel staff to report such a guest. 

[connda]

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The drones are part of a broader strategy to combine technology with traditional policing methods. These drones are equipped to integrate seamlessly with a centralised AI database. This advanced system can scan crowds during major city events and identify individuals either wanted for past infractions or overstaying their visas. This innovative approach demonstrates Pattaya's commitment to leveraging technology to enhance security and efficiency, ensuring both locals and tourists feel secure.

I see Thailand is going Full-Big-AI-Brother.

[ryandb]

1 minute ago, jacko45k said:

Many hotels are quite keen to see your passport, and it would not take much effort to check if a guest is on overstay. I have often suspected there would be a few baht in it for the hotel staff to report such a guest. 

more than their nightly fee? 500 baht a day to the IO, even if they offered 50% to the hotel can't imagine it would be profitable over letting them pay for the room

[Hamus Yaigh]

The article doesn't clarify if armaments will be attached to the drones for the 'hunt'.

[jacko45k]

3 minutes ago, ryandb said:

more than their nightly fee? 500 baht a day to the IO, even if they offered 50% to the hotel can't imagine it would be profitable over letting them pay for the room

Well an employee would not see the benefit of that....! The police make use of a lot of informers, and I doubt they do it for free. 

It could be worth 20,000 baht.