The National Security Council (NSS) has approved three measures to counter drones disrupting Suvarnabhumi Airport, allowing the airport authority to request the military's use of 'anti-drone' technology, and warns of severe penalties, including the death penalty, if national security is affected.
On 22 Dec 2025 GMT+7, Mr. Chatchai Bangchuad, Secretary-General of the National Security Council (NSS), together with Police General Kittirat Phanphet, Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, revealed after an NSS meeting that the session considered important issues regarding drones entering sensitive areas, including airports and border provinces. The meeting resolved two key points: urgent measures and long-term measures.
Following verification of several drones entering these areas, the Civil Aviation Authority issued a declaration on 19 Dec 2025 GMT+7 designating controlled zones in border provinces and major airports nationwide.
Regarding the urgent measures,
1. Relevant agencies—including airports, the Civil Aviation Authority, and the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC)—will support the Royal Thai Police in managing drones entering various areas. This includes establishing prevention, investigation, and anti-drone measures to coordinate closely and enhance operational efficiency.
2. The Ministry of Defense will ease authorization procedures to allow related agencies, including airports and others, to procure anti-drone equipment. Since such equipment is considered military hardware, approval from the military is required to prepare for area protection.
3. Strict enforcement will be applied to the import and inspection of drones, including efforts to prevent illegal drone imports into core and other sensitive areas.
4. Public communication will emphasize that flying drones into sensitive areas, especially security zones like airports, carries severe penalties, including the death penalty. The message aims to ensure all parties understand that using drones to threaten national security constitutes a criminal offense under the law.
Regarding long-term measures, the NSS previously resolved to designate the Royal Thai Air Force as the lead agency to integrate related units for unified operations by establishing the National Unmanned Aircraft Management and Control Center.
2. Relevant agencies are to prepare advanced future equipment and develop personnel skills for operating such sophisticated tools.
3. Approval was given to review relevant regulations, including increasing penalties for using drones that threaten national security.