Bangkok: Suvarnabhumi Airport clarified the facts of the case where social media shared a picture of marijuana in the luggage of a passenger who traveled from Surat Thani Airport to Suvarnabhumi Airport and continued on to Japan.
According to Thai News Agency, the incident began when a Thai passenger traveling from Surat Thani Airport to Suvarnabhumi Airport, and then to Japan, discovered upon arrival in Japan that the bag they had collected was not theirs. Upon opening the bag, marijuana was found inside, prompting the passenger to notify customs officials at the Japanese airport, which subsequently led to complications in their entry procedures into the country.
The airport has since investigated and provided clarification: the passenger had mistakenly picked up a luggage piece from the domestic baggage claim carousel at Suvarnabhumi Airport. This luggage belonged to a foreign passenger who later reported the missing bag to the airline. The inspection of the baggage showed it was 'Clear' under security measures, indicating no explosives were detected, thus allowing it to be loaded onto the aircraft.
The airport highlighted that all baggage screenings are conducted in compliance with the law, adhering to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand's regulations to prevent dangerous items from being carried onto aircraft. The airport utilizes Explosive Device Detectors in the Hold Baggage Screening System, designed according to the standards of the TSA and ECAC, and approved by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand.
Furthermore, Suvarnabhumi Airport has been proactive in advising travelers at check-in counters to be aware of the cannabis laws in their destination countries, as cannabis remains illegal in many places and could result in legal consequences.
The airport has been collaborating with the Office of the Narcotics Control Board under the Airport Interdiction Task Force project, along with the Customs Department and the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, to enhance security and monitor potential narcotics activities. These efforts ensure that security measures and baggage inspections comply with international standards, prioritizing the safety of passengers and aircraft.