Ruttaphon revealed that the ONCB dispatched a team to investigate the female flight attendant in Phayao. The condominium search showed a man delivering a package on 22 June 2026, but no drug trafficking connections were found. The husband admitted his wife took on carrying jobs as supplemental income. Meanwhile, Thai police are hastening to gather additional evidence to send to Australia.
On 30 June 2026, Police Lieutenant General Ruttaphon Naowarat, Minister of Justice, spoke about the case of a flight attendant accused by Australian police of drug trafficking to Australia. He stated that the ONCB inspected the flight attendant’s residence and met her husband. CCTV footage revealed that on 22 June 2026, a man delivered items to the condominium entrance. No illegal items were found in the residence. The husband admitted his wife accepted carrying goods for extra income. Financial investigations showed no abnormalities or large sums in her account. The ONCB is now questioning the suspect's mother in Phayao. Authorities were informed that the flight attendant carried 12 elephant bags, of which 2 were suspicious. Drug traffickers typically keep items well hidden to evade Thai officials.
When asked if it is confirmed that Ms. Mina knowingly smuggled heroin, Police Lieutenant General Ruttaphon said fairness must be given to Ms. Mina, but since she was arrested with evidence, that is the current assumption. Thai investigators are reviewing other evidence. Initial inquiries indicate Ms. Mina received payment only after the goods reached the destination. Following her arrest, Australian police allowed Ms. Mina to communicate only with her mother.
Thus, Thai police currently lack further details, as Australian police have not provided additional information. Going forward, Thai authorities will collect domestic evidence to forward to Australian police to assist in their investigation.
Regarding future measures to tighten airport or Ministry of Transport controls to prevent illegal goods from leaving the country unchecked, Police Lieutenant General Ruttaphon noted that the airport has previously acknowledged certain limitations. These vulnerabilities must be addressed to resolve the problem.