Suvarnabhumi Airport has issued an apology following an incident involving security personnel and a group of enthusiastic fans of an unidentified Chinese celebrity, after dozens were prevented from boarding the same flight due to safety concerns.
Airport management said the incident took place at approximately 11pm on Wednesday, when the celebrity was preparing to board Thai Airways International flight TG674 from Bangkok to Beijing. Officials have not disclosed the identity of the individual.
According to the airport, a group of fans holding tickets for the same flight attempted to follow the celebrity beyond areas they were authorised to enter.
They reportedly entered the passenger lounge without permission, prompting Thai Airways staff to seek assistance from airport security, who escorted the group from the restricted area.
The situation escalated when the fans continued following the celebrity to the departure holding area. Airport officials said members of the group rushed towards the boarding gate in an attempt to get closer to their idol and refused to present their boarding passes for inspection.
To maintain safety procedures, airline staff closed the aircraft door before the fans could board. As the group gathered near the gate, airline employees, assisted by security personnel, escorted them back to the holding area.
Thai Airways subsequently denied boarding to 22 passengers after determining they had failed to comply with airline regulations and established safety protocols.
“Airline personnel considered that the group of fans could have caused disorder on the aircraft and the situation could have been uncontrollable after takeoff,” the Suvarnabhumi airport management wrote.
Airport management said 12 of the affected passengers cooperated by agreeing to have their checked baggage removed from the aircraft.
The remaining 10 reportedly expressed dissatisfaction and made provocative gestures towards airport personnel, resulting in further tension as officials worked to restore order.
While airport management said security officers were acting to protect passengers and ensure the safe operation of the flight, it acknowledged that some personnel responded inappropriately and failed to meet the airport’s expected standards of conduct and customer service.
The airport apologised for the actions of the staff involved, confirming that disciplinary measures have been taken against the security guard responsible.
The incident comes only days after another controversy involving security staff at a GMMTV fan event in Bangkok. Video footage circulated online appeared to show a female visitor from China being forcefully handled by security personnel.
GMMTV initially apologised following widespread criticism on social media. However, subsequent investigations found the woman had allegedly bypassed the queue, repeatedly disrupted event organisers and physically confronted a security staff member who was attempting to escort her from the venue.
The entertainment company later acknowledged it had misjudged the circumstances and announced that the suspended security staff had been reinstated.
