Airport baggage inspector suspended after animals allowed on flight

23 Sept 05:02 Key points summarised by AI

An airport security employee was suspended for failing to properly inspect baggage, allowing live animals onto a flight.
Two small-clawed otters escaped from carry-on luggage on a Thai Vietjet flight from Bangkok to Taiwan, causing a significant disturbance.
Despite an X-ray machine flagging suspicious items, the baggage was not manually examined and was permitted on board.
Authorities later revealed that, in addition to the otters, 20 Burmese star tortoises and two oriental giant squirrels were also smuggled onto the flight.
Suvarnabhumi Airport has issued a warning to passengers, emphasizing strict prohibitions against carrying live animals without advance permission, with penalties including fines and imprisonment.

Bai Lu meet-and-greet cancelled days after China’s safety warning

Yesterday 15:28 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's Tourism and Sports Minister announced the government will seek clarification from the Chinese Embassy regarding its recent travel advisory warning Chinese nationals about safety concerns in Thailand.
The travel advisory is anticipated to negatively impact the number of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand, despite recent increases in arrivals.
A meet-and-greet event featuring Chinese actress Bai Lu, a WeTV Global Ambassador, was abruptly cancelled just days after the Chinese Embassy issued its safety warning, though no official reason was provided.
The Chinese Embassy's advisory urged citizens to beware of job scams, fraudulent investments, suspicious travel arrangements, and the risk of illegal detention or being lured to the Thai-Myanmar border.
Chinese nationals were advised to verify job offers, use legitimate transport, avoid high-risk border areas, protect personal documents, and keep family informed of travel plans.