Pakistani Passenger Detained in Thailand Over Alleged Mid-Flight Sexual Assault
BANGKOK: A Pakistani passenger was detained upon arrival in Thailand after being accused of allegedly sexually assaulting a female passenger aboard a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Bangkok, according to media reports.
According to the Daily Mail, the complainant, a 33-year-old Thai national identified as Beauty Pumpaporn, was returning to Bangkok from Milan via Dubai. She alleged that during the approximately six-hour flight from Dubai to Bangkok, she fell asleep while holding her four-year-old daughter and later awoke to find the man seated next to her allegedly touching her inappropriately.
The woman said the accused then attempted to behave normally and pretended to adjust the entertainment screen in front of his seat. She chose not to confront him during the flight to avoid creating a disturbance and instead reported the incident to the cabin crew after the aircraft landed at Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok.
According to the report, airline staff questioned the accused, identified as 30-year-old Reza Ali, following the complaint. The woman alleged that he initially denied the accusations but later admitted to his actions, apologized repeatedly, cried, and knelt while asking for forgiveness, promising that he would never repeat such behavior.
She also claimed that some of the passengers traveling with the man requested that she forgive him. However, the cabin crew reportedly treated the matter as serious and informed those involved that police intervention was necessary.
Upon the flight’s arrival, Thai tourist police and immigration authorities took the Pakistani passenger into custody and transferred him to a local police station. The complainant subsequently filed a formal police report.
An officer at Don Mueang Police Station said the suspect was not granted permission to enter Thailand. Authorities will initially attempt mediation in accordance with legal procedures, but the complainant has stated that she intends to pursue criminal charges and seek financial compensation.
The woman also said she decided not to conceal her identity because she wanted to raise awareness among women, particularly those traveling alone, about reporting such incidents without hesitation.
A Flydubai spokesperson declined to comment on the specific allegations, citing the ongoing investigation, and said the safety and security of passengers and crew remain the airline’s top priority.
