Drug gangs use social media to recruit Thai air crew as couriers

Thai authorities are on high alert following the arrest of a national airline flight attendant for allegedly importing heroin into Australia, sparking concerns that international drug syndicates are increasingly targeting air crew. The 30-year-old flight attendant, who works for a regional budget carrier, was charged after more than a kilogram of heroin was found hidden in tote bags. This rare detention of cabin staff has prompted a review of airport security and raised questions about the effectiveness of current measures.

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Are you flying to Australia? Do you do carry-for-hire? What is your rate?

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul highlighted the severity of the issue, stating that at least six cases of commercial drug trafficking involving travelers from Thailand have occurred in the first half of the year. He emphasized that such incidents damage the country's international image and necessitate urgent action. The government is responding by implementing enhanced baggage screening and inspections at major airports, with a particular focus on crew members.

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According to reports, in the first half of this year, there have already been ⁠at least six cases of people travelling from Thailand who were charged with commercial drug trafficking.

Airlines are also expected to enforce strict disciplinary measures against any staff found carrying or accepting items on behalf of others. The flight attendant, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity, confirmed that warnings about "carry-for-hire" schemes are common within the industry. She stated she ignored a suspicious message from an unknown TikTok account named "Powder is Powder," which is reportedly linked to trafficking networks that use fake social media profiles to recruit individuals for cross-border drug smuggling. The Office of the Narcotics Control Board confirmed the account's connection to these networks.

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This is considered a high number… and it damages the country’s image.