An international airport has refuted sensational claims of a hijacking after an old video showing a dramatic runway chase went viral online, sparking public panic
Bosses at a major international airport have been forced to set the record straight after a dramatic video showing a “drug-addicted man hijacking a plane” went viral online. The footage sparked panic as it showed a chaotic chase on the runway.
The affected airport has hit back at the sensational claims of an attempted hijacking after an “old” video resurfaced online, causing widespread alarm. The footage was posted by the Facebook page ข่าวสดช่อง 8 (Channel 8 News) on Monday (January 26).
It was accompanied by a caption that read: “Suvarnabhumi Airport in tense situation! Drug-addicted man attempted to hijack an airplane.” However, the post failed to mention when the incident actually took place or provide any follow-up details.
The chaotic scene unfolded at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport, which is located in Bangkok, Thailand. Quickly going viral, the clip amassed over 19,000 reactions, nearly 1,000 comments, and more than 1,400 shares.
In the video, a man can be seen riding a motorcycle onto the tarmac, weaving between parked planes while being pursued by airport security, The Thaiger reported. He appears to be carrying an unidentified object, believed to be a weapon, as officers and airport vehicles chase him across the runway.
The suspect then makes a dash for the passenger terminal, only to find the doors locked, and is eventually apprehended by staff. The clip ignited fierce debate online, with some social media users questioning how airport security allowed the breach.
Others reportedly criticised the time it took officers to detain the man. Concerns were also raised about how someone could so easily access a restricted area.
In response to the uproar, Suvarnabhumi Airport’s official Facebook page clarified in the comments that the incident actually occurred in 2022. The airport urged the page administrator to remove the misleading video to “prevent unnecessary panic”.
It further linked to an official news report from the time. In a formal statement issued on Tuesday, the airport confirmed the video was from four years ago.
It stated that officers “handled the situation quickly and effectively” and that the suspect was “arrested and prosecuted”. No injuries were reported among staff or passengers.
Airport officials have now reportedly threatened legal action against the Facebook page for refusing to delete the video, warning that the repost has “damaged public confidence” and may violate Section 14 of Thailand’s Computer Crime Act. The violation carries penalties of up to five years in prison or a fine of 100,000 baht for spreading false or misleading information that causes public panic, as per The Thaiger.
Further investigation has reportedly revealed that the Facebook page has previously shared several outdated news clips from prominent Thai TV stations. Moreover, despite its name, it is not connected to the official Channel 8 news outlet.
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