BANGKOK, THAILAND – A Thai mother claims a fellow passenger sexually assaulted her mid-flight while her young daughter slept beside her. The man was arrested after landing.
The victim, Beaut Aornnicha, said the attack began about 90 minutes before landing. She woke up, alarmed by touching and strange sensations, and immediately alerted the cabin crew.
Crew confronted the suspect mid-air
The crew confronted the Pakistani passenger with the accusations. The man burst into tears, admitted the act, and begged for forgiveness.
Aornnicha rejected the apology and demanded police come on board.
Mother slept beside her daughter
The woman had flown from Dubai with her small daughter. She said she took a sleeping pill to adjust to the time zone and fell into a deep sleep.
She described how the stranger first placed his arm conspicuously over her seat. Later, she woke up to a hand on her buttocks. The man then stared at her and played on his screen.
Clothing became key evidence
After landing, Thai ground staff confirmed the woman’s suspicions through forensic traces on her clothing. This proved a sexual assault had occurred.
The discovery horrified the staff. Aornnicha, who said she travels frequently, said this was her first such incident. She insisted she felt nothing until the touch woke her.
Tourist police and immigration investigating
Authorities acted immediately at the airport. Officers from the Tourist Police and an immigration inspector took over the case and launched criminal proceedings.
The duty officer and the immigration inspector are coordinating the ongoing investigation. The suspect remains in custody.
Victim posts warning on social media
With her public Facebook post, Aornnicha wants to alert other travellers. She urged extra caution with strangers on flights and never losing sight of your surroundings.
Don’t let this event happen to anyone else.
said Aornnicha.
Her story spread rapidly and is being hotly debated in Thai online networks.