Bangkok: A 30-year-old Pakistani passenger was detained by Thai authorities after a fellow passenger accused him of sexually assaulting her during a Flydubai flight from Italy to Thailand via Dubai.
According to international media reports, the incident occurred aboard a flight travelling from Milan to Bangkok, with a stopover in Dubai.
The complainant, a 33-year-old Thai woman identified as But Pimmaporn, alleged that the accused, identified as Raza Ali, touched her inappropriately while she was asleep with her four-year-old daughter in her lap.
The woman told police that the flight from Milan was approximately six hours long and that she had fallen asleep while holding her daughter. She alleged that she awoke to find the passenger seated next to her making inappropriate physical contact.
According to her statement, when she confronted the situation, the man attempted to appear as though he was merely adjusting the in-flight entertainment screen in front of his seat, but continued looking in her direction.
The cabin crew was immediately informed of the alleged incident and notified law enforcement while the aircraft was still in the air. Upon the plane’s arrival at Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok, Thai police boarded the aircraft and took the suspect into custody.
The complainant further alleged that the accused initially denied the allegations when questioned by the cabin crew. However, she claimed he later admitted to the act, apologized repeatedly, and knelt while pleading for forgiveness. She also said that some passengers travelling with the accused appealed to her to forgive him.
According to the woman, the flight crew informed all parties that the matter was serious and would be referred to the police. To shield her four-year-old daughter from the situation, the crew moved the child to another seat during the remainder of the flight.
Lieutenant Colonel Chamananyot Kongkong of the Don Mueang Police said the Pakistani passenger had not yet been granted permission to enter Thailand while investigators continued to record the complainant’s detailed statement.
The police official added that, under standard legal procedures, an initial attempt at mediation between the parties may be undertaken, although the investigation remains ongoing.
The complainant said she intends to pursue legal action against the accused and seek financial compensation. She explained that she chose to publicly identify herself to encourage women travelling alone to report incidents of harassment immediately rather than remain silent.
In a statement, Flydubai said it would not comment further on the incident due to the ongoing investigation and passenger privacy, but emphasized that the safety and security of its passengers and crew remain its highest priority.
The allegations have not yet been tested in court, and Thai authorities continue to investigate the case.
