More than 20 Chinese passengers were denied boarding by Thai Airways, drawing widespread attention online after a security officer was filmed making a racist "slant-eye" gesture.
According to mainland media, Suvarnabhumi Airport issued a statement on the evening of Aug. 4 apologising over the incident involving the airport security officer. The airport said disciplinary action had been taken against the staff member involved.
In its statement, the airport said security personnel had been attempting to stop passengers whose actions had caused disruption and violated aviation security regulations. Following the incident, disciplinary measures were imposed on the personnel concerned.
The airport said the incident occurred at 11 p.m. on July 29. Fans accompanying a Chinese celebrity travelling on Thai Airways flight TG674 entered an airport lounge. However, the fans were not authorized to use the lounge's facilities. Thai Airways staff subsequently contacted airport security, who asked the fans to leave the lounge area.
According to the statement, the fans continued following the celebrity, leading to a series of disruptive incidents, including entering the boarding bridge. Airline staff temporarily closed the aircraft door to prevent fans who had not completed the boarding process from entering the plane.
Because of the incident, and amid concerns that the fans could cause further disruption on board, the airline refused boarding to 22 fans. Of them, 12 passengers agreed to remove their checked baggage, while 10 refused the request. A confrontation occurred during the process.
The statement said airport security personnel had acted to maintain aviation safety, but acknowledged that the conduct and remarks of some staff members during the operation were inappropriate and fell short of service standards.
The airport said the personnel involved had been disciplined and offered a formal apology over the incident.
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