Bangkok:The government has announced a strict prohibition on drone flights in the VT R1 Bangkok City area on October 16th, coinciding with the IMF-World Bank Annual Meeting 2026. This measure aims to bolster security during the event.
According to Thai News Agency, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), under the Ministry of Transport, issued a notice banning the operation or release of drones in the designated area from 0001 to 2359 on October 16, 2026. This restriction is part of broader security and public order initiatives for the high-profile meetings at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center.
Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, Ms. Ploytalay Laksmisangchan, highlighted that the announcement aligns with efforts by the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and Drone Control Center of the Bangkok Metropolitan Police Command to mitigate risks associated with drone use during the conference. Drone operations related to the event require prior authorization through the UAS Portal application, and operators must provide detailed flight information to both CAAT and the UAV and Drone Control Center.
The government has urged cooperation from drone owners and operators to avoid flying drones in restricted areas. Violators could face imprisonment for up to one year, a fine of up to 40,000 baht, or both, under Section 78 (1) of the Air Navigation Act B.E. 2497.