Flight Attendant Targeted By Same Smuggling Account as Arrested Colleague
A Thai flight attendant narrowly avoided a smuggling trap after ignoring a suspicious TikTok recruiter who later targeted a colleague now arrested for drug trafficking to Australia.
On June 30, 2569, flight attendant Boom disclosed that she had been contacted by a suspicious TikTok profile called "Paeng" asking her to courier items to Australia—matching the account used to ensnare another flight attendant now under arrest.
Boom recounted that on June 10, an unfamiliar TikTok profile messaged asking if she would accept smuggling work to Australia. She noticed the profile had no face photo and vague biographical information, so she ignored the request.
After hearing news of the drug smuggling scheme involving a flight attendant, Boom posted on TikTok about her similar experience. Colleagues from her airline and others subsequently contacted her, reporting they had encountered the same profile with identical recruitment tactics. One colleague confirmed being contacted on June 22—the same day the suspect delivered items to the arrested flight attendant—all with the same courier inquiry approach.
After learning this, Boom blocked the account. When she checked again through a friend, the profile had changed its picture and username before eventually closing. Boom said she felt shocked by the discovery. She speculated that anyone who actually carried the luggage might not have known it contained drugs, seeing it merely as a bag. However, airline regulations strictly prohibit flight attendants from accepting items from others as a security measure, and this rule absolutely forbids allowing others to touch their luggage.
Boom noted that most flight attendants rarely accept courier work anymore because criminal schemes have become more sophisticated and frightening. Everyone is cautious, and Australia has particularly strict inspection protocols.
When asked if her airline had issued special warnings, Boom emphasized that airlines already prohibit accepting any items, yet some crew members still do for supplementary income—typically food, personal items, or clothing at 300 baht per kilogram, with individuals able to carry up to approximately 32 kilograms maximum.
