BANGKOK — Thai Airways International has launched a disciplinary investigation into a female cabin crew member arrested in Australia over alleged heroin smuggling, with the airline saying she will be dismissed if the allegations are proven.
Thai Airways CEO Chai Eamsiri said on Monday that the airline had been informed by its Melbourne station manager on 24 June that an Australian authorities had detained the crew member while she was working on Flight TG465 to Melbourne.
According to the airline, the woman was detected by a sniffer dog during arrival screening.
The case follows an announcement by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), which said a 26-year-old Thai airline employee had been charged after authorities allegedly discovered more than 1 kilogram of heroin concealed inside the lining of 12 tote bags she was carrying upon arrival at Melbourne Airport. The drugs were estimated to have a street value of AUD 500,000 (11,512,580 Thai baht).
Chai said Thai Airways had ordered the establishment of a disciplinary committee to investigate the employee in accordance with company procedures.
“If there is clear evidence of wrongdoing, the employee will be dismissed,” he said.
In a separate statement, Thai Airways said it was coordinating closely with authorities in both Thailand and Australia to establish the facts of the case and provide full cooperation with the legal process.
The airline stressed that it maintains strict regulations prohibiting pilots, cabin crew and all employees from possessing, importing, transporting or becoming involved with illegal drugs or other unlawful items.
Thai Airways said employees are regularly reminded to comply with both company regulations and the laws of countries served by the airline before every flight. It added that any violations would result in strict disciplinary action.
The airline said it understood the incident involved an individual employee and that the case remained subject to legal proceedings in Australia. It added that it was working with relevant authorities to ensure the employee received her basic legal rights while fully cooperating with investigators.
Thai Airways reaffirmed its commitment to conducting business transparently, complying with the laws of every country it serves and maintaining a zero-tolerance policy towards illegal activities.