62yo Man Causes Panic at Phuket Airport After Making Fake Bomb Threat Aboard Flight, Gets Arrested

A 62-year-old man was arrested at the Phuket International Airport in Phuket, Thailand, on Friday (23 May) after making a fake bomb threat aboard a low-cost carrier flight which was scheduled to depart for the Don Mueang Airport in the country’s capital city.

The incident took place at around 3.17pm, when the Bangkok resident, Thanavut Wichaidith, reportedly told a flight attendant to “watch out for the bomb” in his black shoulder bag while aboard the flight.

A 62-year-old Thai man was arrested at Phuket International Airport after making a fake bomb threat aboard a flight

For illustration purposes

As reported by The Phuket News, the man made the fake bomb threat while the aircraft was preparing for takeoff and taxiing from parking bay 1 at the airport. Following this, airline staff immediately alerted the captain, who aborted takeoff.

Phuket International Airport then declared an emergency and implemented its comprehensive aircraft bomb threat emergency plan. 

A report by The Nation revealed that the pilot then brought the aircraft to parking bay number 99, an isolated parking bay.

The aircraft was carrying 200 passengers, all of whom disembarked for a full inspection of the aircraft. All of their luggage also went through inspection by the airport’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team.

Thankfully, no explosive devices were found.

The suspect has since been charged by the Thai police

For illustration purposes

Thanavut was then arrested at the scene and taken into custody by the local police.

He has since been charged with disseminating false information that caused public alarm, a serious offence under Thai law, especially if it took place in an airport or on an aircraft.

After the security sweep was done on the aircraft, the flight was given the green light to resume takeoff with the remaining passengers.

For illustration purposes

So, what do you guys think of the incident? Share your thoughts with us in the comments. 

Also read: Chinese Stewardess Bitten, Flight Delayed 2 Hours After Female Passenger’s Body Odour Leads to a Fight