Bangkok: "Big Lek" (General Apirat Kongsompong) is urgently investigating the destruction of an oil rig and its D-20 drone. General Apirat indicated that Cambodia may be attempting to sabotage oil rigs, but this is under investigation. Following Thailand's intensified oil exports, he ordered all branches of the armed forces to increase vigilance regarding drone flights over the Gulf of Thailand. He acknowledged that a Thai D-20 drone was destroyed, stating it was regrettable but that war inevitably involves losses.
According to Thai News Agency, General Natthaphol Nakpanich, Minister of Defence, addressed concerns regarding the Royal Thai Navy's disclosure of a Cambodian drone flying near an oil rig in the Gulf of Thailand. This led to speculation that it might be an attempt at sabotage by Cambodia in retaliation for Thailand's tightening of oil and military equipment shipments into Cambodia. He stated that Cambodia's response was within the assessed scope, not out of pessimism, but as a precaution. However, he acknowledged that monitoring Thai waters is difficult due to Thailand's high degree of freedom of movement, unlike land areas where citizens can easily observe and detect drones. He added that the Maritime Security Command (MSC) reported that over 10,000 fishing vessels in Thai waters also operate their own drones. Currently, an investigation is underway to determine whether the drone in the Gulf of Thailand belonged to an opposing faction or a Thai vessel, and whether its intention was sabotage or malicious.
Regarding whether coordination with the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) or relevant sectors is required to procure an anti-drone system to ensure the safety of oil rigs in the Gulf of Thailand, General Nattapol stated that he had learned from PTT's network that they are seeking permission to install an anti-drone system on PTT's oil drilling sites. He explained that this is considered a national interest and falls under the control of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), making it permissible.
Furthermore, General Nattapol stated that he has assigned the Air Force to be responsible for drone operations and security, and has also discussed the matter with the Navy, which is monitoring the situation and has already implemented additional measures.
Regarding the incident, if it wasn't an act of sabotage, could it be assessed as a threat from the Cambodian side to create unrest? General Nattapol stated that this is one possibility being considered, but it's not yet conclusive whether it was actually a Cambodian drone, and further investigation is needed.
Furthermore, regarding the incident yesterday where Cambodia released images claiming to have destroyed a Thai surveillance drone, General Nattapol stated that he understood the downed drone was a DP-20 or D-eyes 04 model. He explained that the Cambodian side also possesses anti-aircraft weapons. While Thailand has been more cautious, he emphasized that casualties are inevitable in combat. He stressed that it would be wrong to be afraid to use the equipment we have, and therefore, we must utilize what we have in operations while minimizing potential damage. He acknowledged that any losses were regrettable.