BANGKOK, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) welcomed public tip-offs on unauthorized drone flying activities ahead of a royal cremation for late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, local media reported on Monday.
Pongsak Semachai, spokesman of the RTAF, reiterated an announcement of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CATT) that drone users are prohibited from flying their craft near Bangkok's Grand Palace, the site of the royal cremation, and surrounding areas within a 19-km radius during the ceremony on Oct. 25-29.
He encouraged the public to submit information, tips and photos about activities violating the regulation to the RTAF.
His comments came after drones were found flying near the royal cremation site during the procession rehearsals.
Violators are liable to a maximum sentence of one year in jail and/or a fine of 40,000 baht (1,176 U.S. dollars).
The Thailand's National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) said earlier this month that all drones in Thailand need to be registered.
It said only 350 out of an estimated 50,000 drones had been registered in Thailand.
