The Royal Thai Police Commissioner-General said an investigation is underway regarding the drone sightings over Suvarnabhumi Airport. He did not confirm the reports of 40 drones and warned those considering disruption that penalties could be as severe as the death penalty or life imprisonment. He explained that scientific investigation methods are being used to trace the drones’ origins due to the lack of CCTV cameras.
On 22 Dec 2025 GMT+7, at the Government House, Police General Kittirat Phanphet, Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, held a press briefing after the National Security Council meeting regarding unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) spotted over the inner area of Suvarnabhumi Airport. The Police operations on drones are conducted jointly under the Air Force's Anti-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operations Center, following the National Security Council’s resolution from mid-year. The operational zones are divided into inner, middle, and outer rings: the inner ring, called the 'yolk,' is overseen by the Air Force and Airports of Thailand (AOT); the middle ring, or 'egg white,' is managed by the police; and the outer ring is under the Army's responsibility.
The police have established measures and operational strategies for prevention, suppression, investigation, and security enhancement for both short- and long-term periods. Operational models from Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima, which oversee airports, have been used as prototypes. A response plan has been finalized. The outer perimeter is the Army's responsibility, which has clearly and continuously conducted related operations.
Police General Kittirat said integration and coordination are already in place, emphasizing cooperation among the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), AOT, the police, and the military. This collaboration is vital for intelligence gathering, assessment, and planning to ensure systematic and successful operations. Legally, unauthorized drone flights in no-fly zones or airports violate the 2015 Air Navigation Act, punishable by death. If investigations reveal threats to national security, offenders will face provisions under the Penal Code's security chapters, carrying penalties up to life imprisonment.
He added, “We want to warn those who might consider causing disturbances to understand the severity of the penalties. Since 21 Dec 2025 GMT+7, checkpoints have been established to prevent incidents that could disrupt public peace. Currently, we are verifying information received since 20 Dec 2025 GMT+7, using all available capabilities to address the situation.”
When asked about the drone origins at Suvarnabhumi, the Commissioner-General said the investigation into the number of drones is ongoing. Regarding reports of 40 drones, he said this is unconfirmed information received, which is part of the response plan. Authorities have deployed personnel around Suvarnabhumi Airport to work with the airport’s director and managing director to verify the data. So far, they have only received reports but have not found physical evidence. The information is being verified with existing investigative resources.
Regarding the difficulty in tracing the drones' origins, Police General Kittirat explained they first consider the reported number of drones. He emphasized that the true intent or disruption purpose requires scientific investigation. Since Suvarnabhumi Airport lacks surveillance cameras for such incidents, investigative methods are necessary. The team is currently setting hypotheses and aims to identify launch points, operators, controllers, owners, and destinations. They must confirm the accuracy and existence of the reports and are investigating under the assumption of the most severe scenario.
Asked if 40 drones would constitute sabotage, since civilians cannot possess that many, Police General Kittirat said this information must be reviewed with security agencies. He must report these findings to the Air Force Operations Center. Whether this qualifies as sabotage depends on flight behavior and facts. If the reports are true, it is considered a flyover incident. As a security official, he said the military, police, and CAAT must assume the worst-case scenario and prepare prevention plans accordingly. Regardless, any hostile or harmful drone activity threatening aircraft or public safety will be met with clear and intensive response plans.
Police General Kittirat noted that while the public may have seen drones, many times such sightings have been proven to be aircraft lights, which can be initially verified using the Flightradar app. He urged the public to promptly report any drone sightings to help locate launch points. Additionally, the police have prepared emergency response plans for drone-related incidents during the New Year festival. Given ongoing unrest along the Thai-Cambodian border, security forces are committed to full protection to prevent any attempts to destabilize the situation.