Suvarnabhumi Airport Apologizes, Disciplines Security Over Chinese Fan Incident

Suvarnabhumi Airport has apologized and disciplined security personnel for inappropriate behavior while responding to a disturbance caused by Chinese fans of a Chinese artist, resulting in 22 passengers being denied boarding by Thai Airways. The airport acknowledged the officers' misconduct during the incident and confirmed disciplinary measures have been imposed.

On July 29 at 11 p.m., a group of fans traveling on Thai Airways Flight TG 674 to Beijing followed the Chinese artist they were traveling with into the passenger lounge, where they were not authorized to be. When Thai Airways staff requested security assistance to control the situation, officers asked the fans to leave the lounge. The fans continued to follow the artist and caused further disruptions through the holding area and to the aircraft boarding bridge.

When the artist boarded the aircraft, Thai Airways temporarily closed the door to prevent the remaining unauthorized fans from entering. Security officers then pushed the fan group back into the holding area. Ultimately, Thai Airways denied boarding to all 22 fans due to their failure to comply with airline safety procedures and regulations. The airline feared they would cause further disturbances in-flight that could not be controlled. Twelve fans agreed to retrieve their luggage, while ten refused and expressed dissatisfaction, behaving provocatively toward staff during the situation.

Although the airport acknowledged that security's response was intended to protect passenger safety and flight operations, it admitted that some officers displayed inappropriate behavior and expressions that fell short of service standards and airport regulations. The head of security has ordered disciplinary proceedings to be initiated.