Suvarnabhumi Airport, working closely with police and military forces, has strengthened airport security after reports of drones flying near the airport for two consecutive nights. Authorities emphasized that violators face severe penalties, including life imprisonment or the death penalty. Meanwhile, the government approved the acquisition of the most advanced anti-drone equipment, assuring that it will not affect tourists. Police have set up 24-hour checkpoints around the airport to inspect individuals, vehicles, cargo warehouses, and suspicious locations.
At Suvarnabhumi Airport today (22 Dec 2025 GMT+7) at 15:00, Mr. Kittipong Kittikhajorn, Director of Suvarnabhumi Airport, along with Pol. Lt. Gen. Watthana Yijin, Commander of the Provincial Police Region 1, held a press conference on measures to prevent and respond to drone flights around Suvarnabhumi Airport. They reported drone activity detected near the flight zone on the night of Saturday, 20 December. Although the drones did not directly intrude into the airport zone, the situation significantly affected confidence and safety in air travel.
Mr. Kittipong said that after receiving the report, Suvarnabhumi Airport immediately coordinated with the Suvarnabhumi Airport Police Station to investigate. From gathered information, drones flew near the airport for at least two consecutive nights, mainly detected to the east along the fence near the water delivery station between approximately 19:00 and 21:00. Typically, one or two drones flew alternately for about 10 to 20 minutes each time. The number was not as large as earlier rumors suggested, and the motivation—whether mischief or related to security issues—remains unclear and is under detailed investigation.
"Anyone flying a drone within the airport's flight zone commits a serious offense in a highly secured area, punishable by the maximum legal penalty of life imprisonment or the death penalty. Therefore, we warn anyone planning any actions within the airport security zone or violating orders will face legal consequences. Publicizing these penalties aims to deter and raise awareness among the public to prevent unintentional or deliberate legal violations," Mr. Kittipong said.
Mr. Kittipong added that regarding policy and operational plans, on the morning of Monday, 22 December, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul urgently convened the National Security Council. They approved the Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited to procure the most advanced anti-drone detection and countermeasure equipment for use by the agency itself to prepare for future threats. The Prime Minister urged rapid completion of the procurement process. Meanwhile, Suvarnabhumi Airport continues to receive ongoing support of security equipment from related agencies.
Additionally, Suvarnabhumi Airport has coordinated with the Tourism Authority of Thailand to communicate and build confidence among tourists and travelers that Suvarnabhumi and other airports managed by Airports of Thailand have international-standard security measures and can fully ensure travel safety.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Watthana Yijin, Commander of Provincial Police Region 1, revealed that the Royal Thai Police are conducting intensive proactive and reactive measures, including 24-hour checkpoints around the airport to inspect individuals, vehicles, cargo warehouses, and suspicious locations. They also inspect shops selling drone-related equipment and visit registered drone owners, retailers, and residences in the area to publicize laws and prevent risky behavior.
Moreover, a "Joint Operations Center" comprising the Army, Air Force, and Royal Thai Police has been established to integrate surveillance, detection, and systematic interception of drones. The Director of Suvarnabhumi Airport serves as the operations commander, while police carry out operations under a unified plan, closely sharing intelligence among agencies.
Meanwhile, security agencies clarified reports of a drone found crashed in the Bang Kong area, which had caused alarm by linking it to security concerns. After investigation, they confirmed it was a small, lightweight toy drone, incapable of being used for harmful acts and unrelated to any security threat. They urged the public not to believe or share unverified information.
Regarding rumors about foreign vehicles and suspicious individuals near the area, there are no official confirmed reports yet. However, authorities have instructed investigation and intelligence teams to conduct thorough fact-finding to prevent any potential complications. They emphasized that all measures are precautionary to ensure maximum security of the airport, a vital national infrastructure, and asked the public to follow official news sources and cooperate with authorities to maintain overall public order.
Read more news " Government Policy Additional