Breaking: Thai Airways Flight Disrupted by Passenger‘s Attempt to Open Emergency Exit
Jakarta – Chaos ensued on a Thai Airways flight from Taiwan to Bangkok when a passenger attempted to open the emergency exit mid-flight, sparking fear among other passengers.
The alarming incident occurred on December 19, 2024, aboard an Airbus 320 that had reached cruising altitude. A man, believed to be a Thai national, ran down the aisle screaming, sending fellow passengers into a panic. Matters escalated when the man appeared to try and force open the emergency exit door, assaulting cabin crew members who tried to restrain him.
"I’ve flown for 10 years, and I’ve never experienced anything like this," said Yaowarat Pradungchat, a shocked passenger who spoke to the New York Post. "It was terrifying," she added.
Theėsistent succeeded in being subdued and tied to his seat for the remaining four hours of the flight. Upon landing in Bangkok, waiting authorities boarded the plane and arrested the man.
Colonel Polisi Chakpong Nuchpadung, Chief of the Office of Police Airports Division at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, confirmed the arrest. The man was subsequently released due to mental health concerns. "His family confirmed he has a history of mental illness and may have forgotten to take his medication," said Nuchpadung.
Sources reveal that the man’s employer, based in Taiwan, had sent him back to Thailand due to his deteriorating mental health and inability to perform his job duties. Toxicology tests did not detect any substances in his system.
Despite the incident, no criminal charges were filed, as there were no damages or injuries reported. Officials exhibited empathy towards the man’s mental health condition. However, if charged, the man could face up to seven years imprisonment and substantial fines for endangering passengers and the aircraft, under local aviation laws.
