Crime Singapore Tourist Arrested for Flying Drone on Walking Street

[Georgealbert]

 

Pictures courtesy of Amarin

 

A 44-year-old Singaporean tourist has been arrested for flying a drone over Pattaya’s Walking Street, in violation of a national drone ban currently in effect for security reasons.

 

At around 00:20 on 7 August, special operations officers from Pattaya City detained Mr Goh Chia Hsien while he was operating a drone above the bustling pedestrian zone. The incident occurred in clear breach of a Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) directive prohibiting all drone flights nationwide between 30 July and 15 August 2025.

 

Mr Goh claimed he was merely enjoying the aerial views and taking photographs of the lively night scene, stating that he was passionate about landscape photography.

 

Police escorted Mr Goh to Pattaya Police Station, where Deputy Investigation Officer Pol Sub-Lt Amorntep Phetthim led the questioning with the assistance of a translator. Following the interrogation, Mr Goh was formally charged with operating an unmanned aerial vehicle without permission, a violation of the Air Navigation Act B.E. 2497 (1954), Section 78.

 

Items seized as evidence include:

 

1. A small drone with one lithium battery installed

2. Two spare lithium batteries

3. A black remote control unit

4. Drone control goggles

 

Reporters attempting to photograph the investigation were asked to leave the station’s interview room. Pol Sub-Lt Amorntep cited internal procedures and the requirement to report the case to superiors and the Royal Thai Police headquarters.

 

The CAAT’s current drone ban is part of enhanced national security measures and applies to all types of unmanned aerial vehicles. Authorities have urged the public, including foreign tourists, to respect the order, which may be extended or modified depending on the evolving security situation.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-08-07

 

 

 

[Mr Meeseeks]

5 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

Reporters attempting to photograph the investigation were asked to leave the station’s interview room. Pol Sub-Lt Amorntep cited internal procedures and the requirement to report the case to superiors and the Royal Thai Police headquarters.

 

 

Can't ask for money when reporters are around. 

[johng]

Well I hope they don't give him the death penalty..

[Gsxrnz]

It looks about the size of a child's toy. And whilst I'll admit there are a number of interesting places on Walking Street, none of them could be considered legitimate military objectives.

 

Another case of the BIB going OTT in the LOS. 

[VBer]

Drones seem to be the new e-cigarettes for the police. It looks like a big earning opportunity!

[JoePai]

A severe breach of National Security  😎