Thai - Cambodia Conflict Drones Over Surin & Aranyaprathet Spark Security Concerns

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Amarin.

 

Unidentified drones have been spotted flying over multiple areas in Surin province and as far as 2km inside Thai territory in Sa Kaeo’s Aranyaprathet District, prompting heightened security alerts and suspicions of foreign military involvement.

 

In Surin, local authorities reported at least eight unidentified dronesseen hovering over the city on the night of 2 August. One drone was successfully shot down near Surin Prison, with search and examination efforts ongoing. Initial assessments suggest the drones were flying higher and farther than typical consumer drones, which are usually limited to a control radius of around 1.5 kilometres. This has led to speculation that the aircraft may be of military-grade origin, possibly from neighbouring Cambodia.

 

Village headman Theerapap Pradarlap of Buri subdistrict instructed community leaders, village defence volunteers (Chor Ror Bor), and residents to remain vigilant. Several locals managed to capture video footage of the drones from multiple locations, particularly in the Mueang Surin area.

 

Meanwhile, in Aranyaprathet District, Sa Kaeo, just hours before the Surin sightings, another drone was observed crossing from Cambodia deep into Thai territory. Journalists covering the border region were interviewing locals when the drone was spotted approximately two kilometres inside Thailand’s border. Security forces responded swiftly, using high-powered spotlights and military-grade laser devices to track and illuminate the drone despite darkness.

 

Although the drone did not engage in any hostile activity, officials have not yet identified its origin or intended purpose. In response, security has been significantly tightened across all border areas. Village defence forces and local residents remain on constant alert.

 

The incidents come amid growing concerns over the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) along sensitive sections of the Thai-Cambodian border. The 2nd Army Region Commander recently issued orders to 20 provincial governors in the Northeast to intensify anti-drone measures and increase surveillance, particularly around key infrastructure and security installations.

 

Authorities continue to investigate the incidents and monitor for further activity. So far, no government or military agency has claimed responsibility for the drones.

 

Related article:

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1368317-civil-aviation-authority-bans-all-drone-flights-nationwide-until-15-august/

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-08-03

 

 

 

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Cambodia Denies Sending Drones into Thailand

 

Picture courtesy of Amarin.

 

Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence has denied allegations that its drones entered Thai airspace, dismissing the claims as baseless and warning Thailand to refrain from flying drones across their shared border.

 

Major General Mali Suchata, spokesperson for Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence, issued a statement on the morning of 3 August, in response to reports from Thai authorities of multiple drones entering Thai territory. She rejected the accusations as “false and misleading,” and criticised certain Thai media outlets for spreading what she described as fabricated and distorted information.

 

According to Major General Mali, the Thai side had released manipulated images and videos, wrongly portraying the drones as Cambodian and misrepresenting the situation to the public.

 

“Cambodia firmly denies the dissemination of untrue and misleading information,” she said, adding that these actions damage diplomatic ties and misinform the public. “We call on the Thai authorities to immediately cease such conduct.”

 

The Cambodian defence ministry also urged Thailand to avoid flying drones into Cambodian airspace in future, warning that Phnom Penh would implement “appropriate measures” in response to any further violations of its sovereignty.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-08-03

 

 

 

 

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Second Army Region Commander Orders Crackdown on Drones in Northeast

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

 

The Commander of the Second Army Region, Lt. Gen. Boonsin Padklang, has held a high-level meeting with the governors of all 20 northeastern provinces to implement strict measures against unauthorised drone activity in the region. The initiative follows growing concerns over national security and cross-border threats.

 

During the virtual meeting held on August 2, Lt. Gen. Boonsin, who oversees military operations across Isaan, instructed each provincial governor, acting in their capacity as director of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), to coordinate with local police, private sector partners and citizens in acquiring anti-drone equipment. Key infrastructure, including provincial halls, stadiums, police stations, bus terminals, airports and arms depots, have been identified as priority locations for enhanced surveillance.

 

Special patrol teams have been deployed to investigate and verify the identities of individuals found in areas where they do not reside. Suspects found with possible connections to drone operations may face severe legal consequences, including charges of terrorism or espionage. “The most serious offences could carry the death penalty,” Lt. Gen. Boonsin stated, stressing the need to uncover and prosecute those behind any such activities.

 

He warned against prematurely releasing suspects without thorough investigation, indicating that a “third party” may be orchestrating these incidents. He pointed to possible retaliation from criminal elements affected by recent crackdowns on call centre scams and illegal gambling networks, particularly those operating from neighbouring countries.

 

If a foreign national is found to be involved, they will be prosecuted in Thailand before being deported and permanently blacklisted from re-entering the country.

 

The military is also maintaining high alert along the Thai-Cambodian border, amid reports of increased Cambodian troop deployments. “Thai forces are fully prepared around the clock,” Lt. Gen. Boonsin affirmed.

 

Separately, Army Deputy Spokesperson Col. Ritcha Suksuwanon confirmed that at 09:00 on 3 August, the Royal Thai Army safely detonated explosive devices and shells near the summit of Phu Khieo mountain. Cambodian authorities were notified in advance to avoid any cross-border misunderstandings.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-08-03

 

 

 

[JoePai]

Calm down, they were only UFO's