The incident occurred at 3:17pm aboard AirAsia flight FD3092, which was scheduled to depart Phuket for Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok.
As the aircraft was preparing for takeoff and taxiing from parking bay 1, the suspect, identified as Thanavut Wichaidith, reportedly told a flight attendant to “watch out for the bomb” in his black shoulder bag.
Airline staff immediately alerted the captain, who aborted takeoff and returned the plane to parking bay 39, explained an official report of the incident.
Passengers were disembarked, and a full inspection of the aircraft, passengers and luggage was conducted by the airport’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team.
No explosive device was found.
Thanavut was arrested at the scene and taken into custody by Sakhu Police. Authorities have charged him with disseminating false information that caused public alarm, a serious offense under Thai law, particularly when it occurs in an airport or on an aircraft.
Police said the incident was formally recorded under criminal case number 134/2568 and noted as a serious and shocking event by both Sakhu Police Station and Phuket Provincial Police.
Thanavut was detained following a report from Pol. Sgt. Maj. Phuridet Suksong, a squad commander at Sakhu Police Station, who acted as the primary accuser in the case.
The investigation is being led by Pol Lt Col Chapinya Suriyathamkun, with oversight from Pol Col Salan Santisanakul, Superintendent of Sakhu Police Station.
Phuket Airport officials confirmed that after the security sweep, the flight resumed with the remaining passengers.