- 22 Chinese passengers were denied boarding at Suvarnabhumi Airport due to safety concerns after they followed a celebrity onto the boarding area without authorization.
- The incident occurred when fans ignored instructions and rushed to get closer to the celebrity, prompting airline staff to close the aircraft door to prevent unauthorized boarding.
- Airport management acknowledged that some security personnel behaved inappropriately and failed to meet service standards, leading to an apology and disciplinary action.
- A video surfaced showing a security officer making an alleged discriminatory "slant-eye" gesture toward the Chinese passengers, which sparked controversy.
- The denial of boarding was due to the group's failure to comply with safety measures, raising concerns about potential disruptions during the flight.
- The incident has gained significant attention on social media, particularly on the Chinese platform Weibo, where it has been trending.
- Critics have pointed out that while the airport expressed regret, it has not addressed the core issues regarding the legitimacy of the boarding denial and compensation for the affected passengers.
Suvarnabhumi Airport has faced backlash after 22 Chinese passengers were denied boarding on Thai Airways flight TG674 due to safety concerns. The incident occurred when fans of a Chinese celebrity followed him into the boarding area, ignoring instructions to present their boarding passes.1
Airport officials stated that the group attempted to board the aircraft without proper checks, leading to the closure of the aircraft door. Security personnel escorted the fans back to the departure gate, resulting in the denial of boarding for 22 individuals who did not comply with safety measures.5
The airport management acknowledged that while the security intervention aimed to protect passenger safety, some staff displayed inappropriate behavior, including an alleged discriminatory gesture towards the Chinese passengers. The airport has since apologized and disciplined the involved personnel, emphasizing the need for staff to adhere to operational standards and treat passengers appropriately.3
The incident has sparked controversy, particularly on social media, with discussions on the legitimacy of the boarding denial and the lack of compensation for the affected passengers. Critics have pointed out that Thai Airways has not provided a clear explanation for the denied boarding or addressed passenger rights adequately. The airport clarified that the decision to deny boarding fell under the airline's authority due to non-compliance with security regulations.
The incident has gained significant attention, trending on platforms like Weibo, where it has amassed over 2.9 million reads as users debate the airport's handling of the situation and the implications for passenger rights.
“The incident began when fans of an unnamed Chinese celebrity followed the star onto Thai Airways flight TG674, ignoring boarding-pass checks, before an officer allegedly made a discriminatory 'slant-eye' gesture. Twelve passengers agreed to have checked luggage removed, while 10 refused and made provocative gestures; Thai Airways has remained silent on the boarding denial.”
VnExpress International
