Suvarnabhumi Airport suspends security officer after dispute with Thai influencer over water bottles

THAILAND: Suvarnabhumi Airport in Thailand has apologised after a video showing a confrontation between a female security officer and a beauty influencer over two bottles of drinking water circulated online.

The incident involved Thai influencer Kotchawan Sajja, better known as Gamgy, who accused the officer of attempting to attack her following an argument at the airport's domestic passenger security checkpoint.

In a statement issued on 29 October 2026, Suvarnabhumi Airport said the incident took place on 23 October at about 3.16pm at the domestic passenger screening checkpoint in Concourse B.

The airport said it had reviewed closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage and coordinated with Airports of Thailand Security Company Limited (AOT Security Company), which employs the officer, to establish the facts.

Dispute over water bottles at security checkpoint

According to Thaiger, Kotchawan was heading towards the departure gate with her husband and two children when a female security officer told her that the water she had brought from outside could not be taken beyond the security checkpoint.

Kotchawan said she asked the officer to make an exception because the water was for her children.

However, the officer insisted that the bottles be discarded.

Another security officer subsequently intervened and allowed her to bring one bottle through, according to Kotchawan's account.

She said she then asked to drink from the second bottle before throwing it away, but the female officer pushed it into a rubbish bin.

Kotchawan claimed that after she complained, the officer retrieved the bottle.

When she asked whether it was dirty, the officer allegedly replied, "It's a trash can, you know?"

Kotchawan then turned to her husband and remarked that the officer might have family problems.

She alleged that the comment angered the officer, who responded by asking, "Who do you think you are to insult my parents?"

Kotchawan claimed the officer then left her post and approached her family in an attempt to hurt her.

Security personnel and other airport staff intervened and escorted the officer away.

Footage shared online appeared to show the officer resisting as security personnel tried to remove her from the area and attempting to approach Kotchawan.

Airport explains liquid restrictions and its findings

In its statement, Suvarnabhumi Airport said passenger and baggage screening before boarding was carried out in accordance with requirements set by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT).

The restrictions are intended to prevent potentially dangerous items from being brought onto aircraft.

Liquids, gels and aerosols are subject to limits and conditions when passing through security checkpoints.

However, the airport said officers could consider exceptions for food, milk and water needed by young children, depending on the circumstances and subject to security screening procedures.

According to the airport's preliminary findings, Kotchawan had brought two bottles of drinking water and one children's water bottle through the checkpoint.

The security officer explained the restrictions and considered the need for water for the children.

The airport said one bottle of drinking water and the children's water bottle were allowed through, while the second bottle of drinking water was not permitted.

After the explanation, an exchange took place between Kotchawan and the officer, with both parties reportedly displaying emotion during the interaction.

The airport confirmed that Kotchawan had remarked that the officer might have family problems, which contributed to tensions between them.

It said the officer subsequently displayed inappropriate behaviour towards the passenger, adding that such conduct did not meet the airport's service standards, even if the situation had become tense.

The airport stressed that all personnel were expected to remain composed and treat passengers politely and appropriately while carrying out their duties.

Security officer suspended pending investigation

AOT Security Company ordered the officer to be temporarily removed from duty on 29 October while an investigation was pending.

Suvarnabhumi Airport apologised for the incident and said it had reminded service personnel to exercise emotional control, patience and professionalism when communicating with passengers.

It also instructed staff to avoid arguments and confrontations with passengers to prevent similar incidents.

The airport reiterated that aviation security remained its top priority alongside the provision of quality service, and said it was committed to treating all passengers politely, appropriately and fairly.

Social media reactions divided

Kotchawan said an airport manager had declined to disclose the officer's identity and advised her to submit a complaint through Airports of Thailand's official feedback system.

According to Thaiger, following the incident, an online user claimed that several members of a Facebook travel group had previously reported similar negative experiences involving the same officer.

The user also alleged that complaints had been submitted to AOT without any updates.

Other social media users commenting under Suvarnabhumi Airport’s post on X shared accounts of alleged poor service at the airport.

However, some commenters criticised Kotchawan, pointing out that passengers should be aware of restrictions on bringing liquids through security checkpoints.