Unidentified drones spotted near Ubon Ratchathani air force base, according to the head of the Royal Thai Air Force.
In the heart of Southeast Asia, a series of mysterious incidents have unfolded near several Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) bases. The latest occurrence took place at Wing 21 in Ubon Ratchathani and Buri Ram province, where unidentified drones have been repeatedly detected.
The RTAF and Thai military have taken these incursions seriously, with continuous investigations and security monitoring of affected air force installations. The unidentified drones, as it turns out, were mostly unarmed and lacked cameras, suggesting possible disruptive or espionage intent rather than direct attacks.
To prevent further incidents, the Royal Thai Air Force and Army have implemented several proactive measures. One such measure is the deployment of anti-drone detection and neutralization systems at bases, including at Ubon Ratchathani (Wing 21) where drones were neutralized by an anti-drone system without harm to personnel or assets.
In a bid to curb unauthorized drone activity, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand imposed a strict nationwide drone flight ban, effective from July 30 to August 15, 2025. This move was taken amid concerns over spying and border tensions with Cambodia.
Moreover, the Royal Thai Army’s Second Region Command has unveiled a high-energy laser Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) tested at Air Force Base 1. This advanced counter-drone weaponry is designed to precisely destroy drone targets, including during nighttime operations, serving as both a practical defense capability and a strong deterrent.
Provincial authorities, military, and police are also working together to identify operators of unidentified drones. Reports of drone seizures have been made in Buri Ram’s Lahan Sai district.
Senior military officials, including RTAF Commander-in-Chief Air Chief Marshal Punpakdee Pattanakul and Acting Defence Minister Gen Nattaphon Narkphanit, have assured the public of continuous monitoring and readiness to secure airbases against espionage or provocations. They emphasized that no physical attacks have occurred to date.
These actions reflect Thailand’s comprehensive approach combining technology, regulatory restrictions, and intelligence efforts to address the current wave of suspicious drone sightings near Thai air force bases amid heightened regional tensions. The investigation into the identity and origin of the unidentified drones is still ongoing.
The ongoing saga of unidentified drones near Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) bases has prompted a combination of technological, regulatory, and intelligence efforts, as Thailand bolsters its defenses against potential espionage or provocations. General-news outlets report that the RTAF Commander-in-Chief, Air Chief Marshal Punpakdee Pattanakul, has underscored the importance of Politics and Crime-and-Justice dimensions, given the heightened regional tensions and concerns over spying.
