Airport officials have apologised after a security guard was filmed apparently making a racist gesture to Chinese tourists.
The guard was seen pulling at the corners of her eyes to seemingly mock the foreign travellers.
Footage of the alleged incident spread quickly and triggered outrage on social media.
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As a result, officials have ordered the staff involved face disciplinary action.
The clash unfolded as a group of 22 passengers tried to board Thai Airways flight TG674 from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport to the Chinese capital Beijing on 29 July.
They had followed a celebrity travelling on the same flight into a lounge without permission and were asked to leave.
But the fans continued into the boarding area, refused to cooperate with document checks, and attempted to rush the aircraft with the star.
Airline staff closed the cabin door over safety fears and denied the entire group entry, as reported by Need To Know.
Twelve passengers agreed to have their luggage removed while 10 refused and a confrontation followed.
Some of the barred passengers claimed they held valid tickets, had already cleared checks, and received no clear reason or help with alternative flights.
The flight, originally due to leave at 11.50pm, eventually departed over an hour late at 1.06am.
During the row, the security officer made the alleged racist gesture towards the Chinese travellers.
In an official statement, an airport spokesperson explained: “While the security officers’ intervention was intended to ensure the safety and security of passengers and flight operations, Suvarnabhumi Airport acknowledges that certain security personnel displayed inappropriate conduct during the operation.”
They added: “Such conduct does not meet the airport’s service standards or operational regulations.”
Group Captain Chanannut Rodkul, director of the airport security department, ordered disciplinary measures against those involved.
He instructed all staff to stick to operational rules, control their emotions and treat every passenger properly.
The airport stated it “sincerely apologises for the incident” and promised to review procedures and tighten protocols.
They concluded: “Suvarnabhumi Airport once again apologises for the incident and reaffirms its commitment to strengthening oversight of its personnel to ensure that airport security is maintained alongside professional and appropriate service standards in accordance with international best practices.”
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