PATTAYA, Thailand – On August 3rd, 2025, at 10:00 PM, Pattaya Special Affairs officers detained a 28-year-old Swedish male tourist (name withheld) for operating a drone to capture aerial footage of Pattaya Beach without authorization.
During questioning through an interpreter, the tourist stated he had recently arrived in Pattaya and intended to record scenic sea views as a memento. He claimed ignorance of a nationwide drone flight ban in effect due to unrest along the Thai-Cambodian border.
Authorities confiscated the drone and escorted the individual to Pattaya City Police Station for legal proceedings. After being informed of the relevant laws and reprimanded, he was released to return to his accommodation.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has enforced a strict ban on all unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) across the country from July 30 to August 15, 2025, or until further notice, to ensure security and safety in sensitive areas.
