BANGKOK, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's government has ordered stricter screening of airline crew to curb drug smuggling after a Thai flight attendant was arrested in Australia with narcotics found in her luggage, a Thai government spokesperson said on Thursday.
Deputy government spokeswoman Lalida Periswiwatana said the Ministry of Transport has directed the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand to coordinate with airlines, airports, customs, and narcotics agencies on enhanced measures.
In a statement, Lalida said the new measures would include tighter controls on items carried by crew, improved inter-agency intelligence sharing, and stronger risk-detection coordination, while aiming to avoid disrupting passenger services.
"The government will continue strengthening aviation security measures through cooperation among all relevant agencies to prevent smuggling activities and maintain internationally recognized safety standards," she said.
According to preliminary information, the crew member was detained after Australian authorities searched her luggage following a flight from Thailand to Melbourne on June 25. The case is currently going through Australia's judicial process. ■
