Singaporean Arrested for Bomb Threat on Flight in Thailand

Authorities in Thailand arrested Singaporean national Ho Wai Chong on Friday. The Singaporean made a bomb threat against an AirAsia flight. The incident disrupted airport operations and sparked a multi-hour emergency response.

The drama began on Thursday at 2:47 PM. A bomb threat call to Don Mueang Airport’s public relations office claimed that explosives were on AirAsia flight FD 3114. The flight was bound for Hat Yai. The caller, speaking Thai with an accent, identified the specific flight then made the threat. It was already taxiing for takeoff. However, security officials immediately intervened. They halted the plane. Subsequently, they evacuated 162 passengers and six crew members.

The emergency protocol included a thorough inspection of the aircraft and its passengers. Operations at Don Mueang faced significant delays. Officials only lifted the emergency status at 7:30 PM after finding no suspicious items on board. Following that, they canceled the flight. Thus, forcing passengers to make alternate travel arrangements.

Singaporean who made flight bomb threat overstayed in Thailand

By Friday evening, police tracked the threatening call to Ho Wai Chong. The Singaporean was still at the airport terminal. Officers apprehended him and confirmed that he had overstayed his visa by 28 days. At a press conference on Saturday, Thai Immigration revealed that the Singaporean admitted to making the threat. He cited stress from family issues as his motive. Ho reportedly explained that ongoing family disputes had left him overwhelmed. This stress drove him to act out irrationally.

Ho’s actions now leave him facing severe penalties. Thai aviation laws impose up to 15 years in prison or a fine of 600,000 baht for false threats. Ho also risks lawsuits from the airline, the airport, and affected passengers. They could seek damages caused by the disruption. Moreover, his overstayed visa adds further complications and worsens his legal troubles.

Investigators confirmed that the Singaporean had no prior criminal record. He had visited Thailand multiple times using an APEC card. This incident, however, ensures that his future visits to the country are permanently barred. Once sentenced, the Singaporean will face a blacklist from re-entering Thailand. So far, as of time of writing, the ministry of foreign affairs in Singapore has not released any statement regarding the matter.

This case highlights the severe consequences of false threats in aviation. The Singaporean’s actions, driven by personal turmoil, show how poor judgment can lead to far-reaching repercussions. Thailand’s swift response demonstrates the seriousness of such threats. After all, Thailand relies heavily on tourism for its economy, Thus, aviation safety remains a priority in law enforcement.