Thai Airways Flight Attendant Caught Smuggling Drugs to Australia

On June 30, 2569, National Narcotics Control Board Secretary Pol. Lt. Gen. Suriya Singhakhamal revealed details of a Thai Airways flight attendant arrested for smuggling drugs into Australia. The condominium search, supported by CCTV footage, showed a rider delivering a package on June 22, which was left at the lobby after the flight attendant failed to return. Officers found no drugs or illegal items during the room search, prompting them to interview the suspect's boyfriend for further investigation.

Joint investigations with Australian Federal Police uncovered that the flight attendant was contacted through an online cargo group by an account named "Rose," seeking travelers to Australia with space for goods. Though initially hesitant about the fake account, the flight attendant eventually agreed to transport items for 8,800 baht after the account owner assured it was legitimate.

The "Rose" account has since been deactivated, and authorities are pursuing the account holder and network members. Officers also visited the suspect's Phayao home, where her mother confirmed she last returned in April and sends 10,000 baht monthly for a vehicle payment registered in the mother's name, with installments around 8,000 baht monthly. The mother indicated her daughter carries education loan debt, earns modest income, and comes from a typical farming family.

The Thai embassy in Australia is providing consular assistance while the case proceeds through Australian courts. The suspect remains in custody with bail pending. Thai authorities expect clarity on further legal proceedings within approximately four weeks and continue coordinating with Australian police to identify other network members involved in the drug trafficking scheme.