SAMUT PRAKAN -- Thai Smiles Flight WE-136 from Suvarnabhumi to Chiang Rai was delayed for nearly five hours on Sunday night following a bomb scare.
The flight, which was originally to depart from Suvarnabhumi airport at 6.45pm for Chiang Rai, was delayed until 11.20pm.
Sirote Duangratana, general manager of Suvarnabhumi airport, said the airport declared an emergency about 6.50pm after a passenger told a flight crew there was a bomb in a suitcase.
Mr Sirote said in compliance with emergency safety plan No 9 the aircraft was immediately moved to an isolated parking bay on the western side of the airport. All of the 142 crew and passengers were evacuated to the western fire and rescue station.
Security staff searched the passengers and their belongings while an explosive ordnance disposal unit scoured the luggage compartment and the entire aircraft.
A team of doctors and nurses was also put on standby to provide medical services if needed. The passengers were served with snacks and drinking water.
No bombs were found and the emergency was declared ended at 9.57pm.
Thai Smiles Flight WE-136 departed Suvarnabhumi at 11.20pm for Chiang Rai.
Police were investigating the passenger who caused the bomb scare, said Mr Sirote.