"Open the Door!" Drunken Man in Underwear Causes Disturbance on Flight, Immediately Deported from Thailand

Russian Passenger Denied Entry to Thailand
In-Flight Disturbance Subject to Criminal Penalties and Entry Restrictions
"Zero-Tolerance Policy" Spreads Amid Series of Similar Cases

A Russian national who caused a naked disturbance on an AirAsia passenger flight from Nha Trang, Vietnam to Bangkok, Thailand, was denied entry into Thailand and subsequently deported back to Vietnam, his point of departure. On February 1, local media including Khaosod reported that Thai immigration authorities refused entry to the 41-year-old Russian man when he attempted to enter through Don Mueang International Airport on the 29th, and sent him back to Vietnam on a flight on the morning of the 31st.

On the 29th of last month (local time), a Russian national caused a 'naked disturbance' on a passenger plane traveling from Vietnam to Thailand and was denied entry into Thailand. X

A video shared on social media shows the man walking around the cabin in only black underwear, causing a commotion. He repeatedly went to the restroom, shouted at flight attendants demanding they open the aircraft door, and reportedly hurled profanities in Russian. Upon landing at Don Mueang International Airport, the man jumped onto the runway as soon as the aircraft door opened. Since no safety stairs were in place, he is reported to have injured his leg. Footage taken by a passenger also captured airport staff subduing the man.

Thai immigration authorities stated that the man appeared to be heavily intoxicated during the entry inspection and was unable to clearly explain the purpose of his visit to Thailand. They also cited his failure to possess sufficient funds for his stay, as required by Thai law, as a reason for denying entry. In Thailand and many other countries, disruptive behavior on an aircraft is considered a serious aviation security threat. According to Thai aviation regulations, refusing to follow crew instructions or engaging in acts that threaten aircraft safety can result in fines or imprisonment, and for foreigners, immediate denial of entry and deportation are possible. Internationally, disruptive acts such as verbal abuse, assault, or excessive drinking on board are classified as violations of aviation security laws. If a passenger is placed on an airline’s blacklist for such behavior, this can lead to a permanent ban from flying with that airline or even civil claims for damages, with such cases on the rise.

In recent years, incidents of in-flight disturbances have repeatedly occurred, especially on routes in Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America. In 2023, a drunk passenger assaulted a flight attendant on a flight to Singapore and was arrested by local police after landing. In 2024, a passenger who caused a disturbance on an international flight from Australia was escorted off the plane in handcuffs. Given that the cabin is a confined space where even minor disruptions can escalate into major incidents, the aviation industry is seeing countries increasingly adopt a zero-tolerance policy, with harsher penalties and stricter entry restrictions being implemented.