BANGKOK — Thailand’s National Security Council has ordered heightened counter-drone measures at Suvarnabhumi Airport following reports of drone sightings near the airport late Saturday, officials said.
The council directed Airports of Thailand to fast-track procurement of advanced anti-drone technology after residents in Nong Prue subdistrict, in Samut Prakan province, reported seeing drone-like objects near the airport perimeter on December 20. An emergency meeting on Monday also ordered security forces to maintain a constant presence at the airport during the transition period.
Authorities warned that flying drones in restricted airport zones carries the country’s harshest penalties, as airports are designated high-security areas.
Suvarnabhumi Airport Director Kittipong Kittikachorn said the drones did not enter controlled airspace and remained near the outer perimeter fence. In response, the airport and security agencies installed signal jammers to prevent any intrusion, coordinating with Aeronautical Radio of Thailand to ensure flight safety.
Officials attend an emergency security meeting after reports of drone sightings near Suvarnabhumi Airport in Samut Prakan province, on Dec.22, 2025.“Suvarnabhumi Airport and security agencies assure passengers and tourists that the airport meets international safety standards, and personnel are ready to manage incidents at all times,” Kittipong said.
He urged the public to distinguish between drones and aircraft, noting that drones typically display green and red lights and emit audible sounds at low altitudes, while aircraft have strobe lights and continuous engine noise.
Police Region 1 Commander Lt. Gen. Wattana Yeesin said officers have been deployed around the clock along the airport perimeter and at all entry points to inspect vehicles and suspicious activity. He dismissed social media claims of dozens of drones as inaccurate, saying investigators identified only two to three drones flying intermittently for 10 to 20 minutes east of the airport and outside restricted airspace.
Suvarnabhumi Airport Director Kittipong Kittikachorn, left, and Police Region 1 Commander Lt. Gen. Wattana Yeesin attend an emergency meeting following reports of drone activity near the airport in Samut Prakan province, on Dec.22, 2025.Security sources said the drones were operated by foreign tourists photographing aircraft and posed no threat. Authorities questioned the individuals on Monday.
The Royal Thai Air Force is leading prevention operations, deploying counter-drone equipment including Redsky-II systems, drone-disabling guns and shotguns. The Royal Thai Police and local police units have also integrated their anti-drone systems into the operation.
The reports heightened public anxiety as Thailand’s military has been engaged in clashes with Cambodia along the border, although the fighting is far from Suvarnabhumi Airport.
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