Pictures courtesy of Daily News

 

Residents in Samut Prakan have reported seeing a large number of objects resembling drones flying in groups near Suvarnabhumi Airport, prompting heightened security measures and an urgent investigation by authorities. The sightings, reported by multiple locals, caused alarm due to their proximity to critical aviation infrastructure. Security agencies have increased surveillance while verifying the nature and origin of the objects.

 

The reports emerged after residents in Nong Prue subdistrict, Bang Phli district, contacted journalists on 21 December, following sightings the previous evening. According to accounts, the objects were first seen on the night of 20 December, with activity continuing for several hours. The area lies close to Suvarnabhumi Airport, a key international transport hub.

 

During a site visit, reporters spoke with a local resident identified as Khun Ple, who provided photos and mobile phone video clips. Khun Ple said the objects were noticed at around 7.30pm after a family member pointed them out. The objects were seen hovering above shops near the home, prompting the resident to record the scene.

 

When zooming in, Khun Ple said the number of objects appeared unusually high for the area. The resident stated that such sightings had never occurred there before and questioned why so many appeared on the same night. The objects also reportedly remained visible from about 11.00pm until midnight.

 

Khun Ple admitted feeling frightened due to the volume and unknown purpose of the objects. The resident described them as large, not small consumer drones and insisted they were not aircraft lights. The direction from which the objects arrived could not be determined.

 

Another resident, identified as Phi Yai, corroborated the account and stated that the objects appeared to be drones. Phi Yai said the flight path began near Bang Na–Trat Road before moving into Nong Prue. The resident described the incident as unprecedented and expressed concern about safety.

 

In response, security agencies including police, local administrative officials and Suvarnabhumi Airport security convened an urgent meeting. The purpose was to establish emergency response plans should drones be detected within restricted airspace. Images and videos supplied by residents are currently being examined and authorities have not yet confirmed whether the objects were drones.

 

Daily News reported that as a precaution, additional surveillance measures have been implemented. Anti-drone equipment has been deployed in the area and security patrols have been intensified, with a 9km drone exclusion zone in place of around the airport. Community leaders have been asked to alert residents to report any suspicious individuals or drone sightings to local police immediately.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Residents reported seeing many large drone-like objects flying near Suvarnabhumi Airport on 20 December.

• Authorities have not confirmed the objects’ identity but have increased security and deployed anti-drone equipment.

• Police and airport officials are reviewing footage and urging the public to report suspicious activity.

 

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 Adapted  by  Asean Now from Dailynews 2025-12-22

 

 

Police Chief Warns of Severe Penalties for Drone Disruptions

 

File photo for reference only

 

Thailand’s national police chief, Pol Gen Kitrat Phanphet, has announced stringent penalties, including the potential death sentence, for unauthorized drone use near Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. This statement followed a National Security Council meeting on Monday, December 22, where recent incursions by drones near the airport were deliberated.

 

The Royal Thai Police, in coordination with the Royal Thai Air Force’s anti-drone center, have initiated operations to manage drone activity. Zones for drone regulation include a "red zone" managed by the Air Force and Airports of Thailand (AOT), a "white zone" handled by police, and an outer area overseen by the Army. These zones are part of a strategic effort to prevent disruptions, leveraging successful models from other regions like the capital and Nakhon Ratchasima.

 

Multiple agencies, such as the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) and the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), are collaborating to assess and respond to drone threats. Under the Certain Offences Against Air Navigation Act BE 2558 (2015), flying drones in restricted zones like airports can result in severe legal consequences, including death.

 

The presence of potentially up to 40 drones near the airport is under investigation, with authorities yet to confirm whether this constitutes terrorism or sabotage. Some reported drones may have been aircraft lights, viewed through the Flightradar application, emphasizing the need for public vigilance and immediate reporting of drone sightings.

 

The police have enacted emergency plans to counter drone threats especially during the New Year, amid regional security concerns such as the Thai-Cambodian border situation. The coordinated effort underscores a commitment to national security and public safety, reported The Nation.

 

Key Takeaways

• Unauthorized drones near Suvarnabhumi Airport face severe penalties.
• Multiple agencies collaborate on anti-drone measures.
• Authorities remain vigilant amid New Year and border security concerns.

 

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-12-22