The Minister of Tourism and Sports acknowledged that drug screening procedures for arrivals and departures have become more stringent. He affirmed that Thai Airways is not affected because this is a personal matter involving an employee, but stressed the need to intensify crew inspections.
On 30 Jun 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Parliament, Mr. Surasak Charoenpanwarakul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, addressed the drug arrest of a flight attendant, stating that Suvarnabhumi Airport reported it as a personal offense. He said that drug screening processes for both inbound and outbound passengers must be tighter, and the screening of those leaving the country must be more thorough. When asked if this would affect Thai Airways or Thai tourists traveling abroad, Surasak said it is a personal matter involving the employee, not the organization. He confirmed it would not impact the airline but that crew inspections must be strengthened.
When asked about a similar incident 10 years ago when Australia banned the airline, Surasak said that since this is a personal issue and not an organizational one, there is no reason to cancel or ban the airline at the organizational level. He emphasized that the airline was not involved or complicit in the misconduct or any conspiracy.