Thai deputy transport minister orders review after Krabi airport bomb hoax

Thai Deputy Transport Minister Phattrapong Phattraprasit ordered a strict review after a bomb hoax delayed a Thai AirAsia flight at Krabi International Airport on Sunday, April 26, 2026. The incident disrupted an Airbus A320 bound for Suvarnabhumi, with the delay drawing attention in Phuket and across the Andaman region after the aircraft was held for more than four hours.

Security response moved aircraft to isolated bay

The disruption began at about 4:47 p.m. as the aircraft was preparing to depart, when a passenger allegedly said there was an explosive device in carry-on luggage. The captain aborted pushback and returned the plane to the gate.

All passengers were ordered off the aircraft under standard security procedure, and authorities carried out a full inspection of the plane and baggage. Security teams then moved the aircraft to isolated Bay 14, an emergency-designated area away from the main terminal, for a more detailed sweep.

Minister coordinated with airports officials as suspect detained

Phattrapong, who oversees the Department of Airports, coordinated directly with Director-General Danai Ruangsorn and Krabi Airport’s director, officials said. The department said the airport continued normal operations during the incident, with other flights arriving and departing on schedule.

Security personnel cleared the aircraft of explosives and suspicious items by 8:00 p.m. The flight departed at 9:00 p.m., and the passenger who made the claim, later described as a joke, was detained for legal prosecution.

Source: https://thephuketexpress.com/2026/04/27/thai-transport-deputy-minister-orders-strict-follow-up-after-bomb-hoax-delays-airasia-flight-at-krabi-airport/