Bangkok
CNN
—
A Canadian man has been arrested within the northern Thai metropolis of Chiang Mai after he allegedly opened the door on a business airplane and triggered the evacuation slide previous to takeoff.
In accordance with an announcement issued by the Chiang Mai Worldwide Airport, the incident happened on the evening of February 7.
The air site visitors management tower was reportedly notified at 10:05 p.m. that Thai Airways flight TG121, as a consequence of depart for Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Worldwide Airport, was ready in line on the runway to take off when a passenger opened one of many airplane’s doorways, inflicting an evacuation slide to deploy.
The Airbus A320 was unable to be instantly moved, briefly stopping different flights from taking off and touchdown, stated the assertion.
“After receiving the alert, we reached out to Thai Airways mechanics to get into the positioning to chop the evacuation slide off, then we towed the plane again to touchdown pit quantity 15,” stated Wing Commander Ronnakorn Chalermsanyakorn, director of Chiang Mai Worldwide Airport, within the assertion.
The director added that 13 flights in whole have been affected by the incident, together with eight that have been compelled to circle within the air earlier than being cleared to land. In whole, 2,295 passengers have been affected by the delays, stated Ronnakorn.
Thai Airways issued an announcement in response to the incident, noting that mechanics have been in a position to restore and examine the door in accordance with security rules, with the delayed flight finally taking off for Bangkok after midnight.
“The flight continued its journey at 12:34 a.m. on the 8th of January,” stated the assertion. “All passengers, pilots and cabin crew have been protected.”
Chiang Mai Police Colonel Manuschai In-thuean, the officer accountable for the case, instructed CNN they arrested Wong Sai Heung, a 40-year-old Canadian nationwide, on the scene.
If discovered responsible he might face the death penalty, imprisonment of as much as 20 years and/or a 600,000-800,000 baht ($16,700-$22,300) high quality, although it needs to be famous Thailand has not carried out a prisoner execution since 2018.
Police stated they have been unaware of the suspect’s motive for opening the door, however famous he appeared harassed and was troublesome to speak with.
“We despatched him to the Suan Prung Psychiatric Hospital for an analysis,” stated Manuchai.
Police instructed CNN they supplied the suspect with a lawyer and a translator throughout interrogations as required by regulation and they’re persevering with to research the incident.
CNN has reached out to the Canadian Embassy in Bangkok for remark.