Thailand’s popular coastal city of Pattaya, renowned for its vibrant nightlife and tourism, is set to introduce AI-powered drones to address the escalating issue of visa overstayers and bolster public safety.
This initiative comes amid growing concerns following recent high-profile incidents that have raised safety worries, especially during nighttime.
The AI-equipped drones will monitor crowds and scan faces in real-time, cross-referencing a centralized database to identify individuals with expired visas or outstanding arrest warrants.
Pattaya’s Mayor, Poramese Ngampichet, announced the plan during a press briefing, expressing confidence that the technology will help crack down on illegal activities and restore the city’s image as a safe, tourist-friendly destination.
Located about 150 kilometers southeast of Bangkok, Pattaya attracts millions annually with its beaches, entertainment, and nightlife. However, a recent rise in crime, including assaults and robberies, has impacted its reputation, making enhanced security measures a priority to protect both visitors and residents.