Thailand’s Pattaya deploys AI drones as cries grow to tackle rising crime

A city in Thailand plans to deploy AI-powered police drones to hunt down criminals and visa overstayers amid growing concerns over public safety.

Authorities in Pattaya want to link the drones to a centralised AI database so they can scan faces in crowds and pick out individuals with outstanding arrest warrants or expired visas, according to local media outlet The Thaiger.

The drones will be used during large-scale local events and in tourist hotspots to monitor activities and respond to suspicious behaviour in real time.

Pattaya Mayor Poramese Ngampichet discussed the plan on Monday during a meeting with Police Lieutenant Colonel Torlap Tinamat, chief of the city’s tourist police.

Pattaya, a city about 150km (93 miles) southeast of the Thai capital of Bangkok, is a popular tourist destination.

“This initiative will boost Pattaya’s image as a safe and welcoming place for visitors and locals,” Poramese said.