A man from Canada got arrested in the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai after supposedly opening a plane’s door and deploying the evacuation slide before takeoff.
The incident occurred on the evening of February 7, according to a statement from Chiang Mai International Airport.
At around 10:05 p.m., the air traffic control tower was informed that Thai Airways flight TG121, set to depart for Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport, was waiting on the runway when a passenger opened one of the doors, causing the slide to come out.
Due to this, the Airbus A320 couldn’t move immediately, causing a temporary halt to other flights from taking off and landing, as mentioned in the statement.
“We contacted Thai Airways mechanics to deal with the situation, and the aircraft was towed back to landing pit number 15 after removing the slide,” said Wing Commander Ronnakorn Chalermsanyakorn, director of Chiang Mai International Airport.
The director mentioned that 13 flights were affected, including eight circling in the air before being allowed to land. A total of 2,295 passengers faced delays.
Thai Airways confirmed that the door was fixed and inspected, ensuring safety regulations were followed, and the delayed flight departed for Bangkok after midnight.
“The flight resumed its journey at 12:34 a.m. on the 8th of January,” stated the airline.
“All passengers, pilots, and cabin crew were unharmed.”
Chiang Mai Police Colonel Manuschai In-thuean, handling the case, informed CNN that they apprehended Wong Sai Heung, a 40-year-old Canadian, at the scene.
If proven guilty, he could potentially face severe penalties, including the death penalty, up to 20 years of imprisonment, and/or a substantial fine.
The motive behind the door incident remains unclear, although police mentioned the individual seemed stressed and uncommunicative.
“We arranged for him to undergo evaluation at the Suan Prung Psychiatric Hospital,” Manuchai stated.
Police ensured legal representation and translation for the suspect during interrogations and continue to investigate the matter.
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