This is the shocking moment in which a tourist tries to open the door of a passenger plane during takeoff in Thailand after suffering a panic attack.
Canadian tourist Wong Sai Heung, 40, reportedly experienced a panic attack and attempted to exit the Airbus A320 as it left Chiang Mai International Airport yesterday afternoon.
The passengers had already boarded, the doors were closed and a tractor pushed the plane off the platform, marking the official start of the trip.
But Heung, a computer engineer from Vancouver, sparked alarm when he suddenly screamed, left his seat and demanded the flight attendants open the plane door on Thai Airways flight TG121.
He allegedly ran to the door behind the cockpit and opened it, causing the slide to deploy while the plane was queued to join the runway.
Frightened passengers could be seen talking to each other during the commotion and airline staff then guided an anxious Heung to his seat.
Police officers broke into the vehicle and arrested the tourist. He was detained at the Phu Ping Ratchaniwet District Police Station.
Wong Sai Heung being detained on the plane. Heung, 40, reportedly experienced a panic attack and attempted to exit the Airbus A320 as it left Chiang Mai International Airport yesterday afternoon.
Heung is escorted off the plane. Police officers broke into the vehicle and arrested him and he was detained at the Phu Ping Ratchaniwet District Police Station.
The scene at Chiang Mai International Airport. The alleged outburst of the American tourist also disrupted other arriving flights, which had to wait in a holding pattern in the sky while departing planes also suffered delays.
Speaking today in handcuffs, he said: “I was very paranoid and had anxiety, which is what I had last time on the Vietnam trip, but it’s pretty much the second big trip, but it was a huge panic attack.” I thought they were going to kill me in that place. It’s not going well for me.’
A spokesman said today: “Officers arrested Canadian computer engineer Wong Sai Heung, 40, for causing an act likely to endanger the safety of the aircraft.”
‘Heung testified in a confusing manner and claimed that he had a panic attack. He was detained before further questioning and the Canadian Embassy, ​​Tourist Police and an interpreter were brought in to assist in the investigation.
“The airport’s legal department is also now checking for possible additional charges under aviation laws.”
The alleged outburst of the American tourist also disrupted other arriving flights, which had to wait in a holding pattern in the sky while departing planes also suffered delays.
The other disgruntled passengers aboard the plane were taken to a hotel while they waited for their flight to Bangkok to be rescheduled.
One of the passengers, Watcharapon Pethsurp, said: “A plane was about to take off but someone panicked and tried to open the door.
Passengers on the plane. Heung caused alarm when he suddenly screamed, left his seat and demanded the flight attendants open the plane door.
‘As far as I know, at 9:45 pm, the plane was about to depart when a scream was heard and then an announcement from a flight attendant saying that someone panicked and tried to exit through the exit, causing it to open.
“The plane couldn’t fly and we had to wait for the mechanics to take it back to the pit stop.”
Initially, the flight was due to take off from Chiang Mai at 9:05 p.m. and arrive at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport approximately one hour later.
Wing Commander Ronakorn Chalermsanyakorn, director of Chiang Mai airport, said the control tower informed the airport that the plane was preparing for takeoff when the door opened.
He said: “A passenger opened the door of the plane, causing the seat to slide and extend, causing the plane to be unable to fly and getting stuck in the middle of the runway, causing other flights to be unable to fly. take off and take I’ll be at Chiang Mai airport for a while.
In a statement about the incident, state-owned Thai Airways said: “Thai Airways would like to explain the incident on flight TG 121 route Chiang Mai – Bangkok on February 7 with an Airbus A320 aircraft while queuing for take-off on the runway.
‘There was a passenger who opened the door of a plane, causing mechanics to be sent for inspection and repair in accordance with safety regulations.
“The flight was able to take off on February 8 at 00:34 hours with all passengers, pilots and flight attendants safe and sound on board.”
Heung at the police station. Police said today that Wong Sai Heung has been charged and detained. He was not under the influence of drink or drugs when he was arrested.
Police said today that Wong Sai Heung has been charged and detained. He was not under the influence of drink or drugs when he was arrested.
Lieutenant Colonel Nattawut Noisorn, deputy superintendent of Phu Ping Ratchaniwet Police Station, said: “The investigating officer has charged Wong Sai Heung with two offences.
«First of all, putting an aircraft in conditions that could pose a danger to a person, according to article 232, section 1, of the Penal Code.
“Secondly, the violation or failure to comply with an order of the aircraft commander or of the crew members issuing such order on behalf of the aircraft commander, which are orders for the maintenance of the safety of the aircraft or of the people or property on board, according to Article 7, section 2 of the Law on certain offenses against air navigation.
The officer said officers are now also coordinating with the airport for any additional charges.
He added: “The suspect may face further charges for aviation offences, which are currently being prosecuted by relevant organisations.
“In addition, if the 13 airlines affected by the incident decide to file a report, you could face additional charges.”