02/07/2026 03:17 PM

Thailand Tightens Aviation Security After Crew Member Arrested In Australia

By Kenny Teng Khoon Hock

BANGKOK, July 2 (Bernama) -- Thailand has ordered tighter aviation security measures and enhanced screening of airline crew members following the arrest of a Thai crew member in Australia over alleged drug smuggling.

Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Persvivatana said the government, led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, has directed the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) to work with relevant agencies to implement measures for the prevention of similar incidents.

She said the crew member was operating a flight from Thailand to Melbourne on June 25 when Australian authorities allegedly found narcotics concealed in the individual's baggage during an arrival inspection. 

"The crew member is currently facing legal proceedings in Australia," she said in a statement on Thursday.

Lalida stressed that the case involved an individual's alleged misconduct and does not reflect Thailand's aviation industry.

She said airline crew members are already subject to the same international security screening standards as passengers, although they use dedicated channels to facilitate their duties.

To further tighten controls, Lalida said CAAT has been instructed to work with Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT), airlines, customs, and anti-narcotics agencies to introduce stricter measures, including tighter checks on crew members carrying items on behalf of others, enhanced intelligence sharing, and closer inter-agency coordination to improve risk detection.

On Tuesday, the media reported that a 26 years old female airline crew was arrested after a kilogramme of heroin was found hidden in her luggage upon her arrival at the Melbourne airport last Thursday. The suspect was carrying 12 tote bags, and the heroin was concealed in the lining, according to Australian Federal Police.

-- BERNAMA

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