Chaos at Don Mueang Airport as Singaporean Suspect Arrested for Bomb Threat. A bomb threat caused panic at Don Mueang Airport after a Singaporean man called to falsely claim there was a bomb aboard an AirAsia flight. Police acted swiftly, detaining the suspect and adding him to Thailand’s blacklist. ASEAN NOW

A bomb threat caused panic at Don Mueang Airport after a Singaporean man called to falsely claim there was a bomb aboard an AirAsia flight. Police acted swiftly, detaining the suspect and adding him to Thailand's blacklist.

 

On November 21, at 14:47, an individual speaking Thai with a Chinese accent called Don Mueang Airport's information desk, stating, "Do you know there's a bomb on the AirAsia flight to Hat Yai?" Authorities identified the flight as AirAsia FD 3114, carrying 162 passengers and six crew members.

 

At the time, the plane was taxiing for takeoff. Security immediately halted the aircraft and brought it back for inspection. Passengers were evacuated along with their belongings, and a thorough search was conducted. After no suspicious items were found, the emergency plan was lifted at 19:30. However, the incident caused significant disruptions to flight schedules and passenger plans.

  

Police Major General Choengron Rimpadee, spokesperson for the Immigration Bureau, reported that investigators traced the threatening call to Mr. Ho Wai Chong, a Singaporean national. Coordination between airport security, immigration, and Don Mueang Police revealed that the suspect had overstayed his visa by 28 days.

 

Authorities discovered Mr. Ho was still inside the airport. On November 22, at approximately 19:00, officers located and arrested him in the terminal. Upon questioning, he confessed, citing stress over family problems as his motive for the hoax.

 

Mr. Ho is now in custody at Don Mueang Police Station and faces multiple charges. Initial charges include overstaying his visa, with further charges under Thailand's 2015 Aviation Offenses Act, which criminalises false threats that cause panic or jeopardises aviation safety. Convictions under this law carry penalties of 5–15 years in prison and fines ranging from 200,000 to 600,000 baht.

 

Police revealed that Mr. Ho entered Thailand using an APEC Business Travel Card, allowing him frequent entry and exit. However, following his legal proceedings, he will be deported and permanently banned from re-entering Thailand.

 

Additionally, Don Mueang Airport, the airline, and affected passengers may pursue civil lawsuits for damages caused by the disruption.

 

Major General Choengron warned both Thais and foreigners against engaging in such reckless behaviour, emphasising the severe criminal and financial consequences. He stated, "This is not a joke. Such actions can lead to imprisonment, massive fines, and civil liabilities that outweigh any momentary thrill."

 

This incident serves as a stern reminder of the gravity of aviation-related threats and the consequences of such misconduct.

 

Picture of the suspect courtesy Matichon.

-- 2024-11-23