Thailand's Defence Ministry has confirmed that a man filmed shouting and demanding that a flight from Malaysia to Don Mueang land was a serving soldier who had a pre-existing psychiatric condition.

The passenger's condition reportedly worsened during the flight, prompting cabin crew to intervene and restrain him until he calmed down. His unit has since sent him to Phramongkutklao Hospital for urgent treatment and close monitoring.

Ministry confirms passenger's military role

The case emerged after footage circulated on social media showing the male passenger shouting while aboard the Malaysia-Don Mueang service and attempting to force the aircraft land.

Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri, spokesman for the Ministry of Defence, said the man is genuinely a soldier attached to the ministry's Defence Policy and Planning Office.

Picture courtesy of Komchadluek

He said the man had already been receiving treatment for a psychiatric illness linked to personal circumstances before the flight. However, his symptoms became severely acute while he was in the air, as seen in the video.

The ministry did not identify the soldier, airline or flight date, and gave no further details about the impact on the aircraft's journey or other passengers.

Hospital treatment under way

According to the Defence Ministry, the soldier's unit has transferred him to Phramongkutklao Hospital, the military hospital in Bangkok, for treatment and close observation.

The incident highlights the importance for passengers facing a serious health or mental health episode while travelling of seeking assistance from cabin crew, rather than attempting to handle an emergency alone.

No injuries or criminal action were mentioned in the ministry's statement.

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11 August 2026

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The pressure got to him.

A soldier with mental health issues?? Is that wise to let him be a soldier? Maybe an other job is more suitable

Anyone who signs up to be a soldier or allows themselves to be conscripted has a psychiatric condition.

who had a pre-existing psychiatric condition.

Thought that was the norm here.

20 minutes ago, unblocktheplanet said:

Anyone who signs up to be a soldier or allows themselves to be conscripted has a psychiatric condition.

If you believe that then YOU are the one with a psychiatric condition!

SHAME ON YOU!

21 hours ago, scottiejohn said:

If you believe that then YOU are the one with a psychiatric condition!

SHAME ON YOU!

Oh yes. And why would anybody want to or actually become a soldier?

Never solved anything. Never will.

6 minutes ago, unblocktheplanet said:

Oh yes. And why would anybody want to or actually become a soldier?

Never solved anything. Never will.

I assume that you are a so-called conscientious objector who will not even take up arms to defend your family, never mind your country!

SHAME ON YOU!

Jeez! why are nutters allowed on planes (without a strait-jacket)?

21 minutes ago, scottiejohn said:

I assume that you are a so-called conscientious objector who will not even take up arms to defend your family, never mind your country!

SHAME ON YOU!

Indeed I am. Even WWII would have petered out with far less loss of life. In fact, my father goaded a football player into breaking his nose. Wasn't good enough at the physical so he went back and insulted him again! Deviated septum. Couldn't wear a gas mask. 4-F.

I'm proud of him. You don't recover from killing someone. As all the PTSD cases prove.