Thai police have cracked a drone smuggling and illegal sales case, seizing over 2,000 unlicensed drones and exposing a commercial operation involving both local and foreign individuals.
Following an order from Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) Director Surapong to strengthen surveillance against national security threats, authorities launched intelligence-gathering operations in response to the Middle East situation and the Thai-Cambodian border. Investigators subsequently discovered that merchants were smuggling large quantities of drones from overseas and illegally selling them via social media.
CCIB Division 4 Commander Kitachai further instructed his subordinates to launch an in-depth investigation, gathering evidence that the drones were stored in a warehouse in Bangkok's Lat Krabang district before being sold through online platforms. Police believe the case involves an organized commercial operation rather than individual possession.
Investigations also revealed that a “front” group consisting of more than 10 Thai and foreign individuals registered over 10 online stores on several well-known e-commerce platforms to sell illegal drones, with the ultimate beneficiaries being foreigners.
Police pointed out that if such drones were to flood the market, they could be used in activities endangering national and public security.
The authorities subsequently joined forces with the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) Region 1 Office to collect evidence and successfully obtained a court search warrant. On March 26, Surapong personally led the team to launch an operation, conducting surprise inspections on two warehouses in Bangkok's Lat Krabang district.
During the operation, police seized 2,083 unlicensed drones, 169 CCTV cameras, 27 network signal distribution devices, and a large number of related items. All were confiscated and handed over to investigators for handling.
Police are currently widening the investigation to pursue all involved individuals and take legal action accordingly.
According to Article 6 of the 1955 Radio Communications Act, it is prohibited to manufacture, possess, use, import, export, or sell radio communication equipment without a license. Offenders may be fined up to 100,000 baht, imprisoned for up to five years, or both.
Additionally, those involved may also be in violation of Article 246 of the Customs Act, where assisting in concealing, selling, or handling smuggled goods can result in imprisonment for up to five years, a fine equal to four times the value of the goods, or both.
CCIB Division 4 Commander Kitachai further instructed his subordinates to launch an in-depth investigation, gathering evidence that the drones were stored in a warehouse in Bangkok's Lat Krabang district before being sold through online platforms. Police believe the case involves an organized commercial operation rather than individual possession.
Investigations also revealed that a “front” group consisting of more than 10 Thai and foreign individuals registered over 10 online stores on several well-known e-commerce platforms to sell illegal drones, with the ultimate beneficiaries being foreigners.
Police pointed out that if such drones were to flood the market, they could be used in activities endangering national and public security.
The authorities subsequently joined forces with the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) Region 1 Office to collect evidence and successfully obtained a court search warrant. On March 26, Surapong personally led the team to launch an operation, conducting surprise inspections on two warehouses in Bangkok's Lat Krabang district.
During the operation, police seized 2,083 unlicensed drones, 169 CCTV cameras, 27 network signal distribution devices, and a large number of related items. All were confiscated and handed over to investigators for handling.
Police are currently widening the investigation to pursue all involved individuals and take legal action accordingly.
According to Article 6 of the 1955 Radio Communications Act, it is prohibited to manufacture, possess, use, import, export, or sell radio communication equipment without a license. Offenders may be fined up to 100,000 baht, imprisoned for up to five years, or both.
Additionally, those involved may also be in violation of Article 246 of the Customs Act, where assisting in concealing, selling, or handling smuggled goods can result in imprisonment for up to five years, a fine equal to four times the value of the goods, or both.