Bangkok Police Impose Traffic Closure, Drone Ban for IMF-World Bank

BANGKOK — 15 October 2026, Bangkok police have announced traffic restrictions on Ratchadaphisek Road on 15–16 October and a temporary drone ban across a designated area on 16 October as Thailand steps up security for the IMF‑World Bank Annual Meetings 2026. The Metropolitan Police Bureau asked the public to avoid Ratchadaphisek Road between Asok Montri and Rama IV intersections in both directions during the two‑day period. The restrictions are intended to protect the public, international delegates and officials attending the meetings at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, amid heightened security concerns and the possibility of gatherings by protesters in nearby areas. Traffic arrangements and alternative routes The MRT Queen Sirikit National Convention Center station will remain open as usual. Residents and people working in the affected area can still enter and leave, while accredited delegates with meeting badges and vehicles holding authorised placards may access the restricted area under designated security measures. Private cars and taxis can drop off delegates near Asok Montri or Rama IV intersections, outside the security perimeter. Motorists are advised to use Rama IV Road, Sukhumvit Road, Witthayu Road and Sarasin Road as alternative routes. Police also recommend taking the MRT or event shuttle buses and allowing extra travel time. The Metropolitan Police Bureau said it would manage traffic to minimise disruption and reopen roads as soon as conditions permit. Drone ban across Bangkok security zone Separately, the government announced a temporary ban on operating or launching drones in the restricted airspace designated VT R1 Bangkok City on 16 October, from 00:01 to 23:59. Ploythale Lakmisangchan, deputy government spokesperson, said the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), under the Ministry of Transport, issued the restriction to support security operations during the international meetings at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center and surrounding areas. The measure was coordinated with the Metropolitan Police Bureau’s drone command and countermeasure centre to prevent potential risks and threats from unauthorised drone flights. Existing drone flight permissions in the designated area will be temporarily suspended for the stated period. Drone operations directly related to the meetings must be authorised in advance through the UAS Portal application. Flights may proceed only after approval from the CAAT director. Applicants must provide details of the flight area, date, time and purpose through the portal, and notify the Metropolitan Police Bureau’s drone command and countermeasure centre by email at [email protected]. Operators must also strictly comply with all conditions imposed by the authorities. The government urged drone owners, operators and the public to comply with the restriction. Violators face up to one year in prison, a fine of up to 40,000 baht, or both.