Bangkok: A ban has been imposed on drone flights near gas drilling platforms in the Gulf of Thailand after drones were detected approaching them. The Maritime Security Command (MSC) reiterated its ban on drone flights and bringing ships near natural gas drilling platforms after detecting drones flying close to platforms in the Gulf of Thailand. It also warned Thai vessels to avoid navigating in areas at risk from the situation along the Thai-Cambodian border.
According to Thai News Agency, the Maritime Security Command Center (MSCC) has requested cooperation from the public, ship operators, ship owners, shipping companies, and those engaging in maritime activities to strictly adhere to safety measures. Operating unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) above or near oil and natural gas drilling platforms in the Gulf of Thailand is prohibited. Furthermore, vessels are prohibited from approaching, mooring, or anchoring within 500 meters of drilling platforms to prevent risks to energy infrastructure, maritime safety, and national interests, particularly amidst the unrest along the Thai-Cambodian border. This follows previous detections of unmanned aerial vehicles flying near drilling platforms.
The Maritime Security Command (MSC) stated that Thai vessels should exercise increased caution or avoid sailing in areas that may be affected by the situation, especially the designated shipping areas as shown on Map No. 045, to prevent risks that could impact maritime safety, livelihoods, the utilization of the sea, as well as the lives and property of Thai citizens.
At the same time, vigilance is needed regarding the risks of indiscriminate maritime weapons attacks, the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and the interference or spoofing of navigation signals, including intentional sending of false signals (spoofing) and jamming of location signals. Furthermore, attention should be paid to attempts to smuggle or export fuel, military equipment, or other items that could be used as a threat to maritime security and potentially impact national security.
These measures are in accordance with the National Security Council's (NSC) resolution assigning the Maritime Security Command (MSC) as the primary agency to control and regulate maritime operations, particularly actions against Thai vessels and Thai operators who use Thai-owned or other-nationality vessels to transport or export fuel or strategic goods to Cambodia by sea. This is aimed at reducing and limiting Cambodia's capability and ability to threaten Thailand.
If any violations of the measures or unusual incidents that may affect maritime safety are witnessed, they should be reported to the Maritime Security Command Center hotline at 1465 or 02 888 1465, available 24 hours a day. The public is also advised to closely monitor situation updates from the Maritime Security Command Center and other government agencies.
The Maritime Security Command (MSC) confirmed that it is currently ready to integrate its operations with all maritime agencies to address the situation along the Thai-Cambodian border and maintain security in the Gulf of Thailand under the sovereignty of the coastal state. It is committed to protecting the safety of the public and national maritime interests to the best of its ability.