Canada is providing consular assistance to a Canadian citizen who was taken into custody last week after Thai authorities say the person opened an emergency door on a Thai Airways plane and triggered the evacuation slide prior to takeoff. According to a statement issued by the Chiang Mai International Airport, the incident took place on the night of February 7.
A spokesperson for Global Affairs in a statement to Global News said that, “Due to privacy considerations, no further information can be disclosed.”
In an interview with ThaiPBS the man’s lawyer said his client had admitted to opening the door because he thought “people were coming after him.”
“From his behaviour, it’s likely he was hallucinating,” the lawyer said.
The flight was departing Chiang Mai in northern Thailand and heading for the capital Bangkok.
Thai officials say the aircraft was preparing for takeoff when the man opened the door of the plane which caused the inflatable slide to activate.
Witnesses described scenes of confusion and chaos on social media.
The Airbus A320 was unable to be immediately moved, temporarily preventing other flights from taking off and landing, said the airport in a statement.
“After receiving the alert, we reached out to Thai Airways mechanics to get into the site to cut the evacuation slide off, then we towed the aircraft back to landing pit number 15,” said Wing Commander Ronnakorn Chalermsanyakorn, director of Chiang Mai International Airport, in the statement.
The director added that 13 flights in total were affected by the incident, including eight that were forced to circle in the air before being cleared to land. In total, 2,295 passengers were affected by the delays, said Ronnakorn.
Chiang Mai officials say 2,295 passengers were affected by the February 7 incident. Chiang Mai International Airport
Thai Airways issued a statement in response to the incident, noting that mechanics were able to repair and inspect the door in accordance with safety regulations, with the delayed flight eventually taking off for Bangkok after midnight.
“The flight continued its journey at 12:34 a.m. on the 8th of January,” said the statement. “All passengers, pilots and cabin crew were safe.”
Chiang Mai Police Colonel Manuschai In-thuean, the officer in charge of the case, told CNN they arrested Wong Sai Heung, a 40-year-old Canadian national, at the scene.
If found guilty he could face the death penalty, imprisonment of up to 20 years and/or a 600,000-800,000 baht ($22,450-$29,900) fine, though it should be noted Thailand has not carried out a prisoner execution since 2018.
Police said they were unaware of the suspect’s motive for opening the door, but noted he appeared stressed and was difficult to communicate with.