BANGKOK, Thailand – Jirayu Huangsap, the spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, confirmed that two Thai women were among the passengers on the ill-fated Jeju Air flight that skidded off the runway and caught fire in South Korea. The incident resulted in fatalities and injuries. As of 12:00 p.m. on December 30, it was reported that the two Thai passengers were identified as Ms. Sirithon Chaue, aged 22, and Ms. Jonglak Doungmanee, aged 45. The authorities are still in the process of verifying the full details of the injured and survivors from the crash.
In response to the incident, Suriya Jungrungreangkit, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, provided further details, stating that the Jeju Air flight 7C 2216 had departed from Suvarnabhumi Airport in Thailand at 2:11 a.m. The aircraft was heading to Muan International Airport in Jeollanam-do, South Korea. The plane’s wheels failed to deploy properly upon landing, causing the plane to skid off the runway, resulting in a fire and casualties.
The flight carried 175 passengers and 6 crew members, including the two Thai women. In light of the tragic event, the Ministry of Transport and all relevant agencies have pledged to provide full support. The aviation authorities are ensuring that the incident is being handled with the utmost attention to safety and that international safety standards are maintained.
Kirati Kitmanawath, the Director-General of Airports of Thailand (AOT), expressed deep condolences over the incident. He emphasized that prior to the flight’s departure from Suvarnabhumi Airport, there were no reported issues with the aircraft or runway conditions. No bird strikes or obstacles were found on the runway at the time of the flight’s departure. AOT is committed to maintaining the highest safety standards and continually ensuring the safety of all aircraft and passengers.
