Suvarnabhumi Airport: Suvarnabhumi Airport, in collaboration with the Special Operations Center for Drug Prevention and Suppression in Airports and Warehouses, the Customs Department, and relevant agencies, announced the results of a joint operation that led to the arrest of an Australian passenger. The individual attempted to export methamphetamine, commonly known as ice, valued over 6.6 million baht.
According to Thai News Agency, Suvarnabhumi Airport, alongside the Special Operation Center for Drug Prevention and Suppression in Airports and Warehouses, the Customs Department, and relevant organizations, held a press conference to disclose the details of the operation. The arrest of the Australian passenger was a result of a coordinated effort to prevent the illegal export of methamphetamine, which upon reaching its destination, was estimated to hold a value of approximately 23 million baht. The press conference took place at Concourse A of Suvarnabhumi Airport, attended by Mr. Kittipong Kittikhajorn, Director of Suvarnabhumi Airport, and Mr. Phanthong Loykulnan, Advisor on Tax Collection Development and Management for the Customs Department.
Mr. Kittipong detailed the incident, stating that on May 18, 2025, at 06:45, security officers from the Suvarnabhumi Airport Security Division detected suspicious items in two passenger bags during routine checks. The bags were associated with a Thai Airways flight bound for Melbourne, Australia. At 07:40, coordination with airline, patrol, and customs officers led to the discovery of methamphetamine in the bags, which were opened in the presence of the passenger at Gate D 6. Further examination at the Customs Office confirmed the presence of 22 kilograms of methamphetamine in the luggage belonging to Mr. Tran Huybao Khang, a 28-year-old Australian national. This led to the official recording of the arrest and the initiation of subsequent legal procedures by customs officials.
The incident underscores the airport’s commitment to safety and the prevention of transnational crime, utilizing advanced security systems and skilled personnel. This arrest highlights the effective cooperation between the airport and related agencies in combating drug trafficking, strengthening global confidence in Thailand’s rigorous enforcement measures.