Bangkok: Phatraphong follows up on Pipat's directive for the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) to overhaul crew screening measures after a Thai Airways crew member was arrested in Australia on drug charges. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance between safety and passenger service.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Patarapong Pataraprasit, Deputy Minister of Transport, revealed that he had been assigned by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Mr. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, to address the case of a Thai airline crew member arrested by Australian authorities for narcotics possession. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has been tasked to work with relevant agencies to strengthen preventative measures to prevent future occurrences.
Initial reports indicate that the crew member, on duty on a flight from Thailand to Melbourne, Australia, on June 25th, was apprehended by customs at the destination. Several bags containing concealed narcotics from Thailand were discovered in his luggage. The crew member is currently in custody and will face trial in an Australian court.
Mr. Phatarapong noted that despite special lanes at Thai airports to expedite screening for crew members, they are still subject to personal and baggage checks in line with international standards. Airport security screening is primarily concerned with detecting dangerous objects, weapons, or explosives that could compromise aircraft safety.
For the smuggling of illegal items such as narcotics, the airport coordinates with agencies like customs and drug enforcement units to provide information and conduct further inspections if necessary. Historically, this system has effectively identified illegal activities, though they may not always receive significant media coverage.
Mr. Phatarapong explained that in the current case, the crew passed inspection procedures at the originating airport. However, due to the focus on aviation-related threats and the sophisticated concealment of the drugs, they evaded detection. Australian authorities' targeted searches upon arrival led to the discovery of the narcotics.
The Deputy Minister of Transport concluded that to prevent similar incidents, he discussed with Air Chief Marshal Manat Chawanaprayoon, Director of CAAT, to involve airlines, AOT, customs, and narcotics suppression agencies in formulating additional measures. These include stricter regulations on crew member conduct regarding goods transport, enhanced information exchange between agencies, and improved intelligence coordination to detect risks effectively. While implementing these measures, service standards will be maintained to ensure minimal disruption to passengers.