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

 

 

 

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. 

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

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. 

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

A severe breach of National Security  😎

It seems like the government has not made the law publicly known to tourists. Why not have signs in the airport, at baggage carousels for instance? 

The police could put up flyers at hotels. It's like they think people should know without being told.

9 minutes ago, Purdey said:

It seems like the government has not made the law publicly known to tourists. Why not have signs in the airport, at baggage carousels for instance? 

The police could put up flyers at hotels. It's like they think people should know without being told.

Yes they can post it just below the don't drink and drive and always wear a helmet when on bikes signs.   

At least inform. Singaporeans are among the world least corrupt and law abiding. A waste of police time.

The son of which police chief is now playing with the drone?

 

To be serious now: I think I have to take away my 5-year-old son's drone. Otherwise, he could be arrested and imprisoned.

 

Even if there were no current ban on flying drones, flying drones at night is prohibited in Thailand.

 

 

5 hours ago, Gsxrnz said:

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. 

Just another photo op for the police

Amazing.  I read at least one article a day about the decline in tourism in Thailand today.  Numbers are down, and it seems that many tourists are opting these days for Vietnam or Japan instead of Thailand.  And then I read an article like this one where a S'porean tourist is ARRESTED for flying a drone.  Ok, I would understand if the police told him to stop because of the particular issue with Cambodia right now, but I find it over zealous, and just ridiculous that they would arrest him for this.  I would expect a reasonable degree of tolerence by the Thai police, unless they found him flying the drone in particularly suspicious circumstances, eg. over a Thai military base.  Doesn't anyone in the government consider what damage this is doing to the reputation of Thailand as a great place for holiday?

It's nonsense like this that makes people think twice about their holiday destinations.

If this guy is not released and given back his equipment very quickly then it will turn into a big story in his country - where a lot of people live who visit Thailand, also Singapore is full of 'the wealthy' who they seem to crave.

8 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

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.

Too Passionate.. you're done.

I guess the foreigner toursit did not see the signs warning not to fly drones until Aug 15.... Oh wait!! Has anyone seen any signs warning tourists about this?

5 hours ago, JoePai said:

A severe breach of National Security  😎

No, just takes police away from dealing with the real thing......🤗

3 hours ago, Purdey said:

At least inform. Singaporeans are among the world least corrupt and law abiding. A waste of police time.

 

While I agree, drones with a camera must be registered with CAAT and drones can't be flown over crowds anyway.

 

Personally, I think the best thing for the popo to do is to let the guy go with a warning and let this news cycle serve as a cautionary tale.  Give him back his equipment as long as he agrees not to fly it again in Thailand.  At least not until restrictions are lifted and he gets legal.  

 

5 hours ago, carlf said:

Amazing.  I read at least one article a day about the decline in tourism in Thailand today.  Numbers are down, and it seems that many tourists are opting these days for Vietnam or Japan instead of Thailand.  And then I read an article like this one where a S'porean tourist is ARRESTED for flying a drone.  Ok, I would understand if the police told him to stop because of the particular issue with Cambodia right now, but I find it over zealous, and just ridiculous that they would arrest him for this.  I would expect a reasonable degree of tolerence by the Thai police, unless they found him flying the drone in particularly suspicious circumstances, eg. over a Thai military base.  Doesn't anyone in the government consider what damage this is doing to the reputation of Thailand as a great place for holiday?

In theory, you're absolutely right. In practice, there are a number of issues. One being "... told him to stop..." could easily get a police guy into very hot water with the army (and those guys are serious & nationalistic). Another is that various sections of government are probably not really communicating with each other - typical MO of many countries governments. Yet another was mentioned in earlier posts: nobody told tourists not to use drones - on the other hand, people flying drones (this one I would class as not much more than a toy) simply know that most countries require permits!! The latest I heard from Vietnam (also in reference to a post somewhere above) requires a permit per flight, and that's pretty much going to stop anyone in their tracks who simply want to take pictures/movies from above! Not good for tourism either, BTW.

-- end of rant --

Spain is fining a tourist $231,000 for flying a drone illegally, what fine he gets here in Thailand will seem like a discount to that amount.

 

Quote

 

Tourist Faces $231,000 Fine for Flying Drone in Spain

https://petapixel.com/2025/08/05/tourist-faces-231000-fine-for-flying-drone-in-spain/

 

 

 

9 hours ago, Purdey said:

At least inform. Singaporeans are among the world least corrupt and law abiding. A waste of police time.

Singapore has regulations concerning use of flying drones, albeit less restrictive than Thailand.

For example: Drones weighing more than 250g must be registered, and permits may be required based on weight, flying height, and activity type. It's crucial to be aware of no-fly zones, such as those near airports and protected areas, and to maintain visual line of sight with your drone at all times

 

So Mr Goh being aware of laws affecting use of flying drones in Singapore should check with Thai authorities regarding any regulations before he uses his drone in Thailand. He was negligent not doing so.

This looks like the kind of drone you'd get at Mike shopping mall. That is a harmless toy

It may be harsh to be arrested (although I am sure he will be let go with a ticking off) but seriously only an idiot would think it's ok to fly a drone over a crowded area at night. It is certainly not permitted in Singapore, nor most other countries. Why did he think it would be ok here?

Cambodia security nonsense aside, it is just generally not ok - it is common sense. 

16 hours ago, Purdey said:

It seems like the government has not made the law publicly known to tourists. Why not have signs in the airport, at baggage carousels for instance? 

The police could put up flyers at hotels. It's like they think people should know without being told.

Ignorance is no excuse in the eyes of the law.... and flying drones required paperwork tourists would not normally have prior to the recent Cambodian war edict! Do we have to tell the tourists how to use a bathroom too?

Just more lunacy from the lunatic policies the lunitics come up with.

20 minutes ago, jacko45k said:

Ignorance is no excuse in the eyes of the law.... and flying drones required paperwork tourists would not normally have prior to the recent Cambodian war edict! Do we have to tell the tourists how to use a bathroom too?

 Bit like saying it's against the law to ride a motorcyle or scooter without a helmet. TIT. This drone thing is simply insane. Think acbout it. Flying a Bt400 drone in an Issan village in the middle of Issan is somehow a threat to national security? I'll guarantee that such drones being flown in such areas WILL NOT be registered.

If this guy is percieved to be being harshly treated back in Singapore their tourists will stop coming to Thailand and they'll be quick about it. Common sense must prevail.

Cane the hell outta this pervert.

1 hour ago, dinsdale said:

 Bit like saying it's against the law to ride a motorcyle or scooter without a helmet. TIT. This drone thing is simply insane. Think acbout it. Flying a Bt400 drone in an Issan village in the middle of Issan is somehow a threat to national security? I'll guarantee that such drones being flown in such areas WILL NOT be registered.

As I swam in the pool  yesterday, there was about a dozen pigeons watching me from a nearby roof... I am sure some were Cambodian spies!

On 8/7/2025 at 7:09 AM, Purdey said:

It seems like the government has not made the law publicly known to tourists. Why not have signs in the airport, at baggage carousels for instance? 

The police could put up flyers at hotels. It's like they think people should know without being told.

 

21 hours ago, thesetat said:

I guess the foreigner toursit did not see the signs warning not to fly drones until Aug 15.... Oh wait!! Has anyone seen any signs warning tourists about this?

 

If he intended to fly the drone legally (notwithstanding the current ban) then it would be registered and insured.  The FEIC have emailed all their clients informing them of the new rules.