Thai Airways vows cooperation in Melbourne heroin probe, sets seven-day disciplinary inquiry

Thai Airways CEO Chai Eamsiri said the airline will fully cooperate with Australian police after the arrest of a female cabin crew member in Melbourne, insisting it will not interfere with the legal process. Eamsiri was responding after Australian authorities arrested the crew member assigned to Thai Airways flight TG465 from Bangkok to Melbourne. Authorities said the 26-year-old employee was charged after more than one kilogram of heroin was allegedly found in her baggage upon arrival on June 25, with a reported street value of A$500,000 (about 11.5 million baht). Thai Airways suspended the employee immediately and formed a fact-finding and disciplinary panel expected to conclude within seven days, possibly sooner, with dismissal as the maximum penalty if wrongdoing is confirmed. The woman was remanded on June 26 and is scheduled to return to Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Sept 14. Australian Federal Police and Border Force cited charges under laws carrying up to 25 years per offence, while Thailand’s Civil Aviation Authority said screening followed CAAT and ICAO requirements.