Suvarnabhumi Airport Clarifies X-Ray System Operating Normally, Outbound Screening Focuses on Explosives Detection
Suvarnabhumi Airport clarified that its baggage X-ray system operates normally and is designed to detect explosives, after a Thai crew member was arrested in Australia with drugs in their luggage. The airport emphasized it coordinates with
On June 29, 2025, Suvarnabhumi Airport issued Statement No. 28/2025 clarifying the case of an airline crew member arrested on drug trafficking charges in Australia, emphasizing that the airport's baggage X-ray system operates in accordance with safety standards.
In response to reports that a Thai crew member was detained by Australian authorities after narcotics were discovered in their luggage, Suvarnabhumi Airport investigated and confirmed that the crew member's baggage had passed through the airport's outbound baggage X-ray screening system on a conveyor belt. The system displayed a result of "no explosives or explosive substances detected," and the baggage proceeded to be loaded onto the aircraft.
The outbound baggage conveyor system uses an Explosive Detection System (EDS) that primarily scans for explosives and explosive materials, designed to prevent threats and acts of sabotage that could endanger civil aviation safety.
Throughout this period, Suvarnabhumi Airport has implemented strict security and drug interdiction measures for both inbound and outbound flights through coordination with agencies under the Airport Interdiction Task Force (AITF), which includes the Office of the Narcotics Control Board, the Customs Department, the Bureau of Immigration Division 2, and Suvarnabhumi Airport Police Station. These agencies work together in information sharing, intelligence gathering, risk analysis, and intensive suspect screening.
Suvarnabhumi Airport welcomes feedback and suggestions from all sectors to study and improve security operations and drug trafficking interdiction efforts. The airport pledges to coordinate with relevant security and law enforcement agencies to strengthen measures against illegal drug import-export operations through the airport.
Previously, Suvarnabhumi Airport's integrated cooperation with security and law enforcement agencies has yielded tangible results. From 2024 to the present, the airport has arrested over 23 individuals involved in illegal drug import-export operations, seizing approximately 211 kilograms of narcotics.
Suvarnabhumi Airport reaffirms its full cooperation and support for security and law enforcement agencies in combating international drug trafficking networks and maintaining international standards of airport security.
