BANGKOK: Thailand has tightened flight security measures and screening of airline crew following the arrest of a Thai national in Australia on drug smuggling charges.
Deputy Government Spokesperson, Lalida Persvivatana said the government led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul had instructed the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) to cooperate with relevant agencies to strengthen preventive measures and prevent similar incidents from recurring.
He said the crew was on duty operating a flight from Thailand to Melbourne on June 25 when Australian authorities found drugs hidden in their luggage during a check upon arrival.
“The crew is now facing legal proceedings in Australia,” he said in a statement on Thursday.
Lalida stressed that the case involved allegations of individual misconduct and did not reflect the Thai aviation industry.
He said airline crews are subject to the same international security screening standards as passengers, although they use special routes to facilitate their duties.
To tighten controls, he said CAAT had been instructed to work with Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT), airlines, the Customs Department and anti-narcotics agencies to implement stricter measures.
This includes stricter checks on crews carrying goods on behalf of others, enhanced intelligence sharing and strengthened inter-agency coordination to improve risk detection capabilities.
On Tuesday, media reported that a 26-year-old female crew member was arrested after one kilogram of heroin was found hidden in her luggage upon arrival at Melbourne Airport last Thursday.
According to the Australian Federal Police, the suspect was carrying 12 carry-on bags, with the heroin hidden in the inner lining of the bags.
— BERNAMA
