KRABI, Thailand – Deputy Minister of Transport Phattrapong Phattraprasit has ordered a thorough follow-up after a bomb threat caused a major delay for a Thai AirAsia flight at Krabi International Airport on April 26.
The Minister, who oversees the Department of Airports, worked directly with Director-General Danai Ruangsorn and the Director of Krabi Airport to ensure the response met the highest international aviation safety standards.
The incident occurred at 4:47 p.m. as an Airbus A320 bound for Suvarnabhumi was pushing back from its parking stand. A passenger reportedly claimed there was an explosive device in their carry-on luggage, prompting the pilot to return the aircraft to the gate. Although the passenger later admitted the comment was a “joke,” security protocols required all passengers and baggage to be offloaded for a full inspection.
The aircraft was moved to Bay 14, an isolated area designated for emergencies, so security teams could inspect the plane away from the main terminal. The Department of Airports confirmed that airport operations continued as normal, with other flights arriving and departing as scheduled.
By 8 p.m., security officials completed their search and found no explosives or suspicious items. The flight departed at 9 p.m., resulting in a delay of about 4 hours and 15 minutes. The individual responsible was taken into custody for prosecution.
The Minister stressed the importance of aviation safety and warned that any statements causing public panic, regardless of intent, will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. (NNT)
