The Fourth Army Region has denied there is a standing order for aerial drones to be shot down in the southern border provinces but points out there are rules governing drone flights.
Col Pramote Prom-in, spokesman for forward command at Internal Security Operations Command Region 4, said drones cannot be flown in aviation zones or near military outposts, checkpoints and other areas engaged in national security.
Offenders would face legal measures and the drones could be seized and destroyed, he said.
Pramote dismissed news reports that the Fourth Army Region chief had ordered the automatic destruction of any drone flying in the region.
The reports followed a May 15 insurgent attack on a military outpost in Yala’s Yaha district in which two people were injured. Someone at the scene reported a drone flying over the outpost a few days earlier.
Pramote said the erroneous reports had caused public confusion and misunderstanding.
Drones could still be used for aerial photography anywhere in the South that is not deemed sensitive in regard to safety and security, he said.
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