Canadian Charged for Attempting to Open Thai Plane Door on Runway
Thai police have filed charges against a Canadian individual who attempted to open the door of an aircraft as it was preparing for takeoff.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, caused significant disruption at Chiang Mai Airport in northern Thailand, delaying numerous flights.
According to authorities, the 40-year-old Canadian made the attempt to open the emergency exit on a Thai Airways flight bound for Bangkok from Chiang Mai. The man claimed that he believed someone on the plane was trying to kill him, prompting his panicked actions.
Nattawut Noisorn, deputy chief of investigation at Phu Ping Ratchaniwet police station, stated that the individual faces two charges: causing harm to others on the aircraft and failing to comply with instructions from airline staff.Eyewitness accounts of the event paint a chaotic scene inside the aircraft.
Watcharapon Pethsurp, a passenger onboard the flight, described hearing commotion and shouting originating from the front of the plane.
The individual attempting to open the door reportedly shouted about a perceived threat, claiming that someone dressed in black was attempting to end his life.The disruption caused by the incident resulted in delays for multiple flights departing from Chiang Mai Airport.
Passengers were disembarked from the affected aircraft as authorities addressed the situation.As investigations continue into the motivations behind the Canadian’s actions, the incident serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of disruptive behavior onboard commercial flights.Credit: AFP