In a bid to identify visa overstayers, Thailand has started deploying AI-powered drones in the tourist hotspot of Pattaya. Overall, the move aims to promote safety after a drop in visitor numbers.
Tourism Decline Fuels Use of Drones
The move to use drones comes a day after the assault and robbery of a Russian tourist. On Monday, June 16, authorities arrested two suspects after reviewing CCTV footage. Earlier, in April, a Chinese tourist murdered and mutilated a Thai transgender woman.
As a result, both visitors and residents have expressed concern over the rise in crime. In fact, many feel the government is drowning out the decline in public safety with big, flashy events.
Although Thailand remains a favorite destination for international tourists, visitor growth has slowed since the post-pandemic reopening. Nevertheless, Thailand still tops travel charts for Europeans this summer, according to a recent Agoda report. However, the country is struggling to regain pre-COVID tourism levels.
Meanwhile, the government has decided to maintain its existing visa policies, resisting calls for further liberalization. Authorities believe that improving enforcement, such as by using drones—rather than relaxing rules—is key to restoring confidence among locals and tourists alike.
Pattaya Deploys AI drones
In particular, the new drone system uses artificial intelligence, facial recognition, and real-time immigration databases to identify visa overstayers. Specifically, drones fly over large events and popular tourist areas, capturing footage and cross-checking data with immigration records.
Once the drones flag individuals, ground officers track and locate these potential violators. Additionally, they store the drone footage for further analysis. Overall, the drones operate mostly during peak tourism hours to maximize visibility and impact.
Officials in Pattaya believe this method enhances both efficiency and public safety.
“This initiative will boost Pattaya’s image as a safe and welcoming place for visitors and locals,” remarked Pattaya Mayor Poramese Ngampichet.
For now, authorities have limited the drones program to Pattaya but may expand to other cities such as Phuket and Bangkok.
Mixed Reactions to Drone Use
Local reactions to the new technology have been largely positive. For instance, many residents support the move, citing growing concerns about crime and illegal overstayers.
However, some human rights groups and civil liberty advocates have voiced privacy concerns. They argue the facial recognition component could violate personal freedoms.
Meanwhile, tourists have responded with a mix of reassurance and unease. Some feel safer knowing the authorities are watching. On the other hand, others worry about the drones mistakenly targeting or over-monitoring them during their stay.
Nevertheless, the government insists the drones are a tool for lawful enforcement, not mass surveillance.
Balancing Safety With Tourism Appeal
As Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy, Thailand is keen to protect its tourism-dependent sectors. With millions visiting each year, even small crime upticks can harm the country’s image.
Therefore, officials are walking a fine line between maintaining a welcoming environment and ensuring legal compliance with the use of drones.
If Pattaya’s drone initiative proves successful, authorities may extend it across other high-traffic destinations. Hence, this could mark a new chapter in how Thailand handles immigration and public safety.
Photo by Hanny Naibaho on Unsplash
