Thai Airways is facing protests and boycott calls in Australia following reports that it transported F-35 jet parts from Sydney to Bangkok, then forwarded them to Nevatim Airbase in Israel. Chai Eamsiri, CEO of Thai Airways, addressed the criticism, explaining that the airline did not independently arrange the cargo. The parts were transported as part of an interline agreement with a partner airline, a standard industry practice.

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Thai Airways maintains that the shipment followed all international safety protocols. Eamsiri clarified that cargo screening procedures include X-ray checks for explosives, but not for identifying specific metal parts. He emphasized that customs clearance is the responsibility of each country's Customs Department. The airline accepted the shipment under international guidelines, as there were no explosives or classified dangerous goods identified.

The backlash has been mixed, with some understanding the airline’s position and others expressing disapproval. Chai acknowledged the company's awareness of the issue's sensitivity due to its connection to regional conflict. Thai Airways plans to enhance caution in future cargo acceptance and aims to improve communication with partners to avoid similar situations.

Looking forward, Thai Airways is committed to maintaining operational standards and ensuring clearer communication in its cargo services. The company seeks to balance its business operations without becoming embroiled in contentious geopolitical issues. Chai stated the intention to prevent potential impacts on its reputation by refining cargo protocols, reported The Nation.

Key Takeaways

• Thai Airways transported jet parts via an interline agreement.

• Safety protocols were followed, with no dangerous contents identified.

• The company aims for clearer communication to prevent future issues.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · The Nation · 26 Feb 2026

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Hey, business Is business.

Governments lacking moral integrity care only to fill up its own pockets.

2 minutes ago, Rinato said:

Hey, business Is business.

Governments lacking moral integrity care only to fill up its own pockets.

Governments? Moral integrity?

You should have stopped after "business is business".

5 hours ago, Rinato said:

Hey, business Is business.

Governments lacking moral integrity care only to fill up its own pockets.

Rather like the Gaza/Palestinian "government", eh?

Just noisy pro Palestine crusaders... oxygen thieves

NOT Thailand's war! Keep out of it!

If Australia wants to break int'l law, they can have at it.

Leave Thailand out. We've got troubles of our own.

On 2/26/2026 at 4:41 PM, snoop1130 said:

Thai Airways transported jet parts via an interline agreement.

The USAF could have just as easily delivered the parts itself. Why involve public carriers and put national security at risk?

9 minutes ago, Srikcir said:

The USAF could have just as easily delivered the parts itself. Why involve public carriers and put national security at risk?

You’d be surprised what’s below your feet in the cargo hold! This just happened to be leaked.

As another poster said, “business is business”!

11 hours ago, Rinato said:

Governments lacking moral integrity care only to fill up its own pockets.

Or garner votes by mass immigration at the expense of citizens.

2 minutes ago, RMK54 said:

You’d be surprised what’s below your feet in the cargo hold!

My guess is in this case electronics.

Edit: To be more precise having used the internet (some on here seem unable to do this rather they just sprout BS) I found this and this is quite possibly what it was.

Actuation & Electrical Components: RUAG Australia is the sole global supplier of the F-35's uplock actuator system for weapons bay doors [16]. TAE Aerospace and Ferra manufacture electrohydrostatic actuators.

1 hour ago, unblocktheplanet said:

If Australia wants to break int'l law, they can have at it.

What int'l laws are being broken? My guess is you can't answer this question.

1 minute ago, dinsdale said:

My guess is in this case electronics.

On any commercial flight. A friend of mine was the top guy for a major airline managing the freight. On passenger flights, it’s luggage first, then freight. The airlines will ALWAYS maximize what they carry for financial returns. As was said, their are regulations (and contracts) that dictate what they carry, not politics.

3 hours ago, Srikcir said:

The USAF could have just as easily delivered the parts itself. Why involve public carriers and put national security at risk?

Minor parts

16 hours ago, dinsdale said:

What int'l laws are being broken? My guess is you can't answer this question.

Some people, perhaps most, think money is the goal. But we're humans. There is a moral code against destroying each other. Sociopaths in govts make that moot.

On 2/27/2026 at 1:39 AM, NanLaew said:

Governments? Moral integrity?

You should have stopped after "business is business".

So cynical and sadly so accurate - I am afraid the 2 words honest and politicians do not sit well with each other

1 hour ago, unblocktheplanet said:

Some people, perhaps most, think money is the goal. But we're humans. There is a moral code against destroying each other. Sociopaths in govts make that moot.

War isn't moral although there are rules.