Suvarnabhumi Suspends Security Officer After Water Bottle Dispute

Suvarnabhumi Airport clarified the case of a screening officer from AOT Aviation Security showing inappropriate behavior while on duty, coordinating with the company to take strict disciplinary action if actual wrongdoing is found. This follows a video posted on social media on October 28, 2024, by Facebook user Gamgy Makeup, alleging that a screening officer at Suvarnabhumi Airport behaved inappropriately while performing duties. The airport did not ignore the incident, reviewing CCTV footage and coordinating with AOT Aviation Security, the officer's parent agency, to gather facts and investigate thoroughly. The investigation found the incident occurred on October 23, 2024, at 15:16 at the domestic passenger screening point in Satellite Terminal B, while a passenger was traveling with family and a child. The issue involved bringing liquids through the screening point for the cabin and communication between the passenger and security officer. The airport explained that passenger and baggage screening before boarding follows Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand regulations, a crucial aviation safety measure to prevent dangerous items on aircraft, particularly liquids, gels, and sprays which have quantity and condition restrictions. However, for baby food, milk, and water for young children, officers may allow them based on travel necessity under established security screening guidelines. In this case, the passenger brought two bottled waters and one child's water bottle for screening. The officer explained liquid restrictions and considered the necessity of water for the child. According to preliminary information, the officer allowed one water bottle and the child's bottle to pass, but the remaining water bottle was not permitted through screening. CCTV review and officer statements revealed that after the explanation about the water bottle, an argument ensued between the passenger and officer, with heated words and emotions displayed. The passenger reportedly told the officer, "suspect you have family problems," escalating tensions before the officer showed inappropriate gestures toward the passenger. The airport deemed this behavior inconsistent with service standards, emphasizing that even under stressful situations, all officers must control their emotions and treat passengers with courtesy and professionalism. On October 29, 2024, AOT Aviation Security ordered the officer to temporarily suspend duties pending investigation. The airport apologized for the incident, stressing the importance of emotional control, patience, professional communication, and avoiding arguments or confrontations with passengers to prevent recurrence. Suvarnabhumi Airport affirms its highest commitment to travel safety alongside quality service, adhering to courteous treatment of all passengers.