Thai Airways crew drug smuggling sparks security overhaul

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul ordered an emergency meeting with Airports of Thailand (AOT) and the country's anti‑drug agencies after a Thai Airways flight attendant was arrested at Melbourne Airport with about one kilogram of heroin. The incident follows a May case in which a French woman on a Thai‑operated flight was caught in Perth with the chemical 1,4‑butanediol and steroid tablets.

Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn announced an immediate review of airline crew security procedures, tighter drug screening for pilots and cabin crew, and the introduction of advanced scanning technology. He rejected accusations of lax airport security and ruled out any bans on Thai airlines, emphasizing continued cooperation with Australian authorities. The government plans to strengthen coordination among customs, police and drug‑enforcement bodies to protect Thailand's aviation hub ambitions and its pending OECD membership bid.