Bangkok: Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkaew, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, addressed the ongoing case of a Thai Airways flight attendant arrested in Australia for drug smuggling, emphasizing that the incident is being handled in accordance with the law. He urged airlines to implement preventative measures to avoid similar issues in the future to protect Thailand's image.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Sihasak announced that the Thai Consulate in Australia is actively providing assistance, including legal representation for the detained flight attendant. As of now, she remains in custody, with Australian authorities not permitting her departure from the country.
In response to inquiries about the investigation's progress, Mr. Sihasak confirmed that legal procedures are being followed and that Thailand is cooperating with Australian officials. He acknowledged concerns about potential impacts on Thailand's reputation, noting that while such incidents can happen, it is crucial for airlines to focus on prevention.
Regarding the operational status of Thai airlines flying to Australia, Mr. Sihasak mentioned that Australia is expected to intensify inspections temporarily. In addition to standard checks, Australian authorities may rely on their own intelligence sources to ensure compliance. He stressed that all actions should be conducted in line with legal standards.