BANGKOK — 13 May 2026, Thailand's Civil Aviation Authority (CAAT) has issued new regulations tightening controls on drone operations, including mandatory training, aircraft registration and online flight permission requests, as the government seeks to improve aviation safety standards and support expanding commercial drone use.

Deputy government spokeswoman Lalida Pherdvivatana said the new rules will take effect on 17 May and apply to drones weighing no more than 25 kilogrammes.

Under the new regulations, drone operations that differ from conditions set out in the 2015 Transport Ministry announcement will now fall under a "Specific Category", covering medium-risk operations that require risk assessments and prior approval from CAAT before flights can take place.

The category includes commercial drone activities such as filming, aerial surveys, flights in restricted areas and other operations outside standard conditions.

Drone operators will now be required to complete CAAT-approved training courses covering aviation law, air traffic regulations, flight safety and risk management. Operators must also obtain authorisation corresponding to the type of aircraft they intend to use.

The regulations additionally introduce mandatory electronic aircraft registration. All drones must display visible registration numbers in the standard format XX-NN-NN-NNNN, with letters and numbers printed in contrasting colours and measuring more than 0.3 centimetres in height to improve monitoring and enforcement.

Applicants seeking flight approval must submit flight plans online for each operation, including the purpose of the flight, date, time, flight area or coordinates, names of operators and insurance documents. CAAT may also require additional safety measures such as flight manuals, risk management plans or demonstration flights before approval is granted.

The new 2026 regulations replace several provisions under the 2015 rules. Previously, operator training was not mandatory, drones were not required to carry registration numbers and flight approval was not needed for every operation.

Under the updated system, licences will remain valid for five years instead of two, with renewals required at least 30 days before expiry. Paper-based submissions will also be replaced entirely by online procedures.

Third-party insurance requirements remain unchanged, with operators still required to maintain minimum coverage of one million baht per incident.

Authorities said operators already licensed under the 2015 rules may continue operating until their permits expire. However, any flights classified under the new Specific Category rules will require compliance with the updated regulations.

The government supports the use of drones in the digital economy, agriculture, creative industries and modern business sectors, but stressed that operations must comply with safety standards and social responsibility requirements.

Bangkok Governor Chatchatchai Sittipanthung has reaffirmed the city's commitment to settling its debt obligations, stating that "if there is debt, it must be paid." He confirmed that while Bangkok has sufficient budget to cover the 1.3 billion baht owed to the State Railway of Thailand for unpaid Chatuchak Market rental fees, the city is currently pursuing an appeal to clarify the exact figures and request an exemption on interest charges accrued during the COVID-19 crisis period.

The debt consists of 605.7 million baht in principal rental costs spanning 3 years, 6 months, and 27 days, along with accumulated interest and monthly loss-of-use charges totaling 564.7 million baht through October 2025. Bangkok plans to return management of the Chatuchak Market to the State Railway, acknowledging the city lacks market management expertise. The administration aims for the railway or government to develop the area into a "Soft Power Gateway" to boost future tourism benefits.

Early this year, Bangkok's management team conducted field inspections to accelerate debt collection from vendors and improve financial efficiency within the market, preparing the groundwork for legal resolution and determining whether to return management or establish new contractual arrangements with the State Railway.

Twenty victims of contractor 'Chang Neung Wan Jeep' filed complaints at the Central Investigation Bureau on May 13, 2026, after the contractor breached their construction contracts and caused losses totaling millions of baht. One victim, Mr. Moltian, explained that he contacted the contractor online to discuss and sign a contract for a single-story townhouse-style home with a 10-month construction timeline. However, after work began, the contractor only completed partial tasks like structural framing and roof installation, failing to finish according to the agreed plan. When victims tried to follow up, they were given excuses and repeatedly asked for additional payments before disappearing entirely.

Another victim, Ms. Naya, revealed that the contractor used a system of incremental payments disguised as material costs, labor fees, or equipment charges, claiming urgent necessity to convince victims to transfer additional funds continuously. Some victims lost between hundreds of thousands to millions of baht, while their homes showed minimal progress. Ms. Naya disclosed that she sold her land to build a home for her disabled father, transferring approximately 950,000 baht to the contractor only to receive an unfinished structure. She now lives in a garage with her father.

"I lost over 950,000 baht on construction but received only concrete footing and steel frames already rusting," Ms. Naya stated. "The abandoned structure flooded and caused additional damage to the family's original property."

Ms. Nalin mentioned that when they previously reported the case at Non Sung Police Station in Nakhon Ratchasima, the investigating officer classified it as a civil matter rather than a criminal case. They are now requesting the Anti-Corruption Bureau to handle it as a criminal offense. Notably, the contractor previously offered to complete one victim's house in Nakhon Ratchasima, but the victim refused due to lost trust.

Tragically, one victim named Uncle Lek, 59, took his own life after being deceived by the contractor. He left a final letter stating "I was foolish to be tricked," specifically naming the contractor.

Ms. Nalin also warned that the contractor continues operating the construction business through his Facebook page, potentially creating more victims. She urged relevant authorities to accelerate investigation to prevent further widespread damage.

Environment Minister Suchat Chomklin is accelerating enforcement against natural resource encroachment following directives from Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and the Interior Ministry, which have instructed all agencies to strictly enforce laws against powerful groups and influential figures illegally occupying state land, particularly forest reserves and important tourism areas. On May 12, Suchat tasked Deputy Minister Nantachat Suphomongkol with traveling to Phuket Province alongside Provincial Administrator Roongrueang Thimabutr and Forest Department officials to investigate the encroachment of a national forest reserve at Freedom Beach, a world-famous tourist destination.

Deputy Minister Nantachat stated that this operation represents an escalation of law enforcement to reclaim forests and protect the nation's natural resources, with action taken impartially against all violators regardless of their influence or wealth. The government emphasizes protecting natural resources, and justice must apply equally to all parties, though those responsible for forest destruction will face strict legal consequences.

Suspect Prin, known as 'Sai Lek', met with Deputy Minister Nantachat during the investigation and submitted to questioning by Karon Police regarding four cases under the Forestry Act of 1941 and the National Forest Reserve Act of 1964. Officials confirmed unauthorized construction on approximately 10 rai within the national forest reserve, and despite the suspect's claims of long-term occupation and land title documents (Por Sor. 4-01), authorities proceeded based on evidence and facts applied fairly to all parties.

Forest reserve encroachment carries penalties of one to ten years imprisonment and fines ranging from 20,000 to 200,000 baht, with violators potentially liable for damages based on the value of affected natural resources.

The Army Deputy Chief of Staff has ordered enhanced border security to close smuggling routes, urging residents to notify officials, headmen, and village elders before collecting forest products.

At 10:00 a.m. on May 13, 2025, at Don Mueang Military Air Base, General Chaiyapruks Duangpraphat, Army Chief of Staff, discussed his inspection of the Sai Takoo checkpoint area in Buriram Province to monitor border security operations and visited Abhiruk Butpet at his home in Ban Krot District, Buriram Province. The resident had encountered an armed group of Cambodian soldiers while collecting forest products in the area.

General Chaiyapruks stated he visited the area to assess vulnerable gaps after receiving reports from residents that Cambodian soldiers may be using these passages to infiltrate. He confirmed discussions with military commanders about strengthening area control and announced plans to check surveillance equipment including sensors and drones to improve civilian protection.

When asked whether the intruders were Cambodian military or illegal smugglers, the general confirmed they were Cambodian soldiers because both residents affirmed the armed personnel stood at close range and displayed threatening body language. However, the residents' familiarity with the terrain allowed them to escape before the soldiers could apprehend them.

Local military commanders subsequently spoke with the Cambodian soldiers, cautioning them to be careful and refrain from any actions affecting Thai citizens.

When asked if the general assessed whether the Cambodian soldiers came to gather intelligence or for another purpose, he stated that given the complex jungle terrain, multiple scenarios were possible—they could be conducting reconnaissance, searching for forest products, surveying Thai military positions, or infiltrating the area deliberately.

Regarding whether this violated the Thailand-Cambodia Joint Statement, the general said if evidence existed, action would be taken, though currently they only had local residents' accounts.

Concerning Yot Sainoi, a Surin Province resident detained by Cambodian soldiers while collecting forest products near the Thai-Cambodian border, the general noted that the Thai consulate and Foreign Ministry are expediting assistance efforts. Local military and police are also coordinating to provide rapid help.

He urged residents to inform government officials, headmen, village elders, and local military and police before collecting forest products, even though it is a traditional livelihood. This allows officials to know where Thai citizens are located—if someone goes missing without notifying authorities, discovering their fate becomes too late.

The general pledged to inspect vulnerable areas prone to conflict and deploy soldiers for oversight.

Trai Skott releases audio clip claiming to have a conversation with his older brother Pai Sunisth. Following previous developments, Trai Skott had tearfully revealed allegations of abuse by his older brother and a lawsuit from his mother regarding inheritance. Recently, Pai Sunisth, husband of Mind Lapsalal and Trai's older brother, released a video response denying the abuse allegations, stating such behavior is despicable. Now, on May 13, 2567, Trai Skott has made another move on social media by releasing an audio clip claiming to be a conversation with his older brother Pai Sunisth. The audio recording reportedly discusses the current controversy, which allegedly occurred in the past when Trai was approximately 10-11 years old, as supportive comments continue to appear for Trai.