The incident occurred at about 4:47pm as flight FD4401, bound for Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, was preparing to depart. According to officials, a male passenger made a remark about a bomb while cabin crew were arranging luggage in the overhead compartment.
The flight attendant immediately informed the pilot, who ordered the aircraft to return to the parking bay in line with standard aviation safety procedures. All passengers and their baggage were then disembarked for inspection.
Police later identified the passenger as 45-year-old Klathach Phetpathomchon, from Chonburi. He reportedly told officers he had been joking, using a phrase he commonly used with friends.
Despite the claim, authorities treated the threat as genuine. An Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team was deployed, and the aircraft was moved to a remote bay away from the terminal as part of the airport’s emergency response plan.
A thorough search of the aircraft and all luggage found no explosives or prohibited items.
Deputy Transport Minister Phatraphong Phatprasit said he had ordered close monitoring of the case and stressed that safety must take priority in all aviation operations.
“Any claims or actions that create panic, whether intentional or joking, are all illegal, and officials will take decisive action,” he said.
The inspection was completed at about 8pm, and the flight eventually departed at around 9pm, approximately four hours and 15 minutes behind schedule. Airport officials confirmed that the incident did not disrupt other flights, which continued to operate as normal.
Thai AirAsia has since filed a complaint with Nuea Khlong Police, and legal action is expected.
POOR TIMING
The incident came just a day after high-level diplomatic meetings in Krabi involving Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who visited the province as part of an official trip to Thailand from Apr 23-25.
During his visit in Krabi, Mr Wang, Member of the Politburo, Director of the Central Committee for Foreign Affairs of the Communist Party of China, and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, held discussions with Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkaew, focusing on strengthening bilateral ties and advancing a proposed Thailand-China Joint Action Plan.
The plan is expected to prioritise cooperation in key sectors including innovation, digital technology and the transition towards a green economy, with China playing a significant role in areas such as electric vehicles and solar energy.
The meeting in Krabi followed Mr Wang meeting Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul in Bangkok on Friday (Apr 24), where both sides reaffirmed their intention to deepen what they described as a “sister nation” relationship, with closer coordination on trade, investment and regional security.
China reiterated its readiness to support Thailand’s economic development and long-term stability, while Thailand welcomed increased Chinese investment, particularly in advanced industries.
Security cooperation was also a key focus, with both countries agreeing to intensify joint efforts to combat transnational crime, including scam networks, which have affected citizens in both nations.
Officials said Mr Wang’s visit carried added significance as the two countries mark 50 years of diplomatic relations, and comes amid efforts to elevate ties into a more comprehensive strategic partnership.
The visit also reinforced confidence in Thailand among Chinese stakeholders, with authorities highlighting its potential to support tourism recovery, particularly from the Chinese market, through stronger policy alignment and high-level engagement.
Mr Wang reportedly praised Krabi’s natural environment during his visit, describing it as a destination with strong appeal, particularly for high-value and long-stay travellers.
Additional reporting by Eakkapop Thongtub