CHIANG MAI: A Canadian national has been arrested for opening an emergency door on a Thai Airways International (THAI) flight bound for Bangkok, triggering the deployment of an inflatable evacuation slide.
The incident occurred as the plane was taxiing to the runway for takeoff at Chiang Mai Airport on Wednesday night.
According to witnesses, just moments before the plane's scheduled 9.05pm departure, a male passenger rushed to open a front emergency door, automatically triggering the deployment of the exit slide.
The man was identified as Wong Sai Heung, 40, a Canadian engineer. He told authorities he was suffering from a panic attack, according to police.
The Airbus A320, serving flight TG121 between Chiang Mai and Bangkok, came to a halt. Another passenger and flight attendants subdued the individual, who claimed someone was about to attack him.
Passengers had to return to the airport terminal, where they boarded another plane later. The flight departed the northern province at 12.34am, or about three hours later.
Chiang Mai Airport general manager Ronnakorn Chalermsanyakorn said technicians from THAI had to cut the deployed slide.
The aircraft was taken to a parking bay, and the blocked runway was reopened at 10.50pm, said Mr Ronnakorn.
Police have charged Mr Heung with endangering an aircraft and its passengers and refusing to obey the orders of the captain of an aircraft.
The police have refused his bail request. He will be remanded by the Chiang Mai Provincial Court tomorrow. Investigators are working with THAI engineers to determine if Mr Heung is liable for any damage to the aircraft.
Police have already informed the Canadian embassy about the incident, he noted.
The incident affected 2,296 passengers on 13 planes comprising three outgoing flights, eight incoming ones that had to circle around the airport and two flights that were diverted to other airports, he said.
THAI, the national carrier, issued a statement yesterday morning saying all passengers and crew on the affected flight were safe.
Chiang Mai Airport held a meeting with related parties yesterday, including police, army staff and airline representatives, to find measures to prevent any repeat incidents in the future, Mr Ronnakorn said.