A Thai freelance photographer has been fined S$15,000 after flying a drone without the required permits and capturing footage that included protected military areas in western Singapore. Get today's headlines by email Prayut Rittichaipornkul, 32, pleaded guilty on 12 June 2026 to two offences under Singapore’s Air Navigation Act and Air Navigation (101 - Unmanned Aircraft Operations) Regulations. A further five similar charges were taken into consideration during sentencing. The Bangkok-based photographer was carrying out photography work for C&R Interiors when the offences occurred. Prayut had been engaged by the Thailand office of C&R Interiors, a Singapore-registered company with offices in Thailand and Malaysia. After being invited to attend the opening ceremony of the company’s Malaysia office, he travelled to Singapore before continuing to Kuala Lumpur. On 21 April 2026, he visited the company’s Singapore office at 20 Joo Koon Crescent, which is located near Pasir Laba Camp and the SAFTI Military Institute, both designated protected areas. An employee asked him to take photographs and videos of the Singapore office for marketing materials to be used in Thailand. Although he initially used a handheld camera, Prayut decided to deploy his DJI Mavic 4 Pro drone because he was dissatisfied with the quality of the footage and photographs. At about 8.20am, he began operating the drone. The flight lasted approximately 26 minutes and reached a maximum altitude of 1,505 feet above mean sea level, or about 459 metres. He did not possess the unmanned aircraft operator permit and Class 1 activity permit required for commercial drone operations. During the flight, the drone crossed into the protected areas of Pasir Laba Camp and the SAFTI Military Institute. Prayut recorded video footage of the surrounding area, including parts of the protected military sites, without authorisation. At about 8.23am, the Republic of Singapore Air Force detected the unidentified drone entering the protected areas and alerted the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore. Authorities traced the drone to Prayut’s location at the C&R Interiors office, while police officers were dispatched to the scene. The drone was seized and investigators found at least 18 video recordings stored on the device. Three recordings contained footage of the protected areas. Deputy Public Prosecutor Johan Tay sought a S$15,000 fine, which the court imposed. CNA reported that the case highlights Singapore’s strict regulations governing drone operations, particularly around sensitive military locations. Under Singapore law, operating an unmanned aircraft for business purposes without the necessary permits, or flying over protected areas without authorisation, carries a maximum penalty of S$50,000, up to two years’ imprisonment, or both. Picture taken from the drone footage courtesy of CNA Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Channelnewsasia 14 June 2026
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