Military authorities in Thailand admit to spottings of drones above Wing 21 base in Ubon Ratchathani, where they are believed to have disrupted government operations
Breaking News: Unidentified Drones Disrupt Thai Military Operations
In the eastern region of Thailand, tensions on the border with Cambodia have escalated as unidentified drones have been detected interfering with Thai military operations. The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) and the defence ministry have responded with anti-drone measures and a nationwide drone flight ban.
Drones Interfere with Military Operations
On July 30, 2025, an unidentified drone was spotted over the Wing 21 air base in Ubon Ratchathani, potentially interfering with flight operations or collecting geographic coordinates for future action. Acting Defence Minister Gen Nattaphon Narkphanit confirmed the incident, stating that the drone was interfering with military operations, but there has been no attack on Wing 21.
Anti-Drone Measures and Nationwide Drone Ban
In response to the frequent incursions by drones, particularly near the Thai-Cambodian border, the RTAF showcased the deployment of a Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) – a high-energy laser capable of precisely destroying drones at night. This signals a significant upgrade in counter-drone capabilities.
Additionally, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has enforced a nationwide drone no-fly zone lasting through mid-August to curb further flights suspected of espionage. The CAAT's ban on drone flying comes as authorities are unable to determine the origin of the drone at present.
Investigations Ongoing
The RTAF Commander-in-Chief, Air Chief Marshal Punpakdee Pattanakul, confirmed the sighting of drones near Wing 21. Punpakdee Pattanakul assured that the RTAF is fully monitoring the situation and will ensure complete security. The purpose of the drone remains unclear, according to the Acting Defence Minister, and investigations are ongoing.
Punpakdee Pattanakul expressed that while the drone was not equipped with a camera, the incident is still under investigation to determine if it was an attempt to cause disruption or provoke a situation. There are reports of increased Cambodian troop movement and drone activity at the border, but no clear indicators of the drone's purpose have been found so far.
Enhanced Security Measures
Thai military officers have utilised advanced counter-drone weapons such as the high-energy laser system to intercept and destroy drones. The government has also strengthened security at key sites like provincial halls, weapon depots, and airports and deployed radar-based drone detection systems, especially along border regions.
Two drones have been seized in Buri Ram Province. One had a camera but a missing memory card, while the other resembled a small remote-controlled helicopter without a camera. The government's enhanced security measures aim to secure national defense interests amid rising border tensions.
Drones have not only disrupted military operations but have also become a focal point in politics, general news, and crime-and-justice due to the escalating tensions between Thailand and Cambodia. To mitigate the risk of espionage and potential attacks, sports events have faced increased security measures, including the deployment of Directed Energy Weapons and the enforcement of a nationwide drone ban.
