On August 5, 2026, Chinese media outlet Red Star News reported on an incident where 22 Chinese nationals were denied boarding on a Thai Airways flight from Bangkok, Thailand, to Beijing, with passengers claiming they were forced to return home at their own expense without receiving compensation. According to previous reports, the incident occurred around 11:50 PM on July 29 at Suvarnabhumi International Airport. The airline denied boarding to 22 fans of a Chinese celebrity due to repeated violations of security regulations, including entering a VIP lounge without authorization, refusing to show boarding documents, and forcefully entering the boarding bridge. At that time, passengers and staff clashed over the removal of checked baggage, and a video captured a security guard making a 'slanted eye' gesture, which is considered an anti-Asian slur, which then spread on social media and drew criticism, particularly in China. Red Star News reported the passengers' claims, stating that 'When we were proceeding on the boarding bridge, we were instructed to return to the waiting room for another ticket check, and when we complied, our luggage was removed without our consent, and the boarding bridge was also disconnected.' They also pointed out that 'Despite explanations from multiple staff members on-site that we would be rebooked on another flight for free later, the promise of free rebooking was not fulfilled, and the original tickets were processed as 'used,' making refunds impossible. As a result, passengers had no choice but to purchase tickets for flight TG614 at their own expense to return home.' Furthermore, they stated that the request for a Chinese interpreter and the issuance of a 'denied boarding certificate' were also rejected on-site, and reported that the passengers are complaining about unfair treatment and financial damages. The article mentioned that Suvarnabhumi International Airport issued a statement on the evening of August 4, explaining that Thai Airways decided to deny boarding based on safety assessments, and also acknowledged and apologized for the security guard's discriminatory gesture, stating it was inappropriate and deviated from service regulations, and that the employee concerned had been disciplined. It then pointed out that the Montreal Convention, which is the uniform rule for international air carriage, does not explicitly state uniform compensation provisions for denied boarding. It added that Thai Airways and the airport have not yet responded to demands such as substantial damages, non-fulfillment of rebooking promises, and issuance of certificates. (Editor/Translator: Kawajiri)