Airport trespasser admits guilt

A man who was held for walking into a restricted area at Suvarnabhumi airport with an axe and a replica handgun on Tuesday has admitted he was high on drugs.

Vachara Khambut told the media during a police briefing at the airport yesterday that a voice in his head told him to enter.

Earlier, he had consumed up to “eight tablets of methamphetamine and a concoction of some other illegal stimulants”.

Mr Vachara, who now faces multiple drug and damage to property charges, said that before the incident, he was eager to return to his hometown in northeastern Loei province to visit his family.

He said he drove his motorcycle along Bang Na-Trat road back and forth until he ran out of petrol.

He asked to borrow money from his employer to pay for fuel before heading to the airport as directed by the voice in his head, Mr Vachara said, adding he was told to only go by air or else he would be arrested on his way home.

He said that upon reaching the airport, he saw an area with many aircraft, and a number of vehicles going through via an open gate. He simply walked in.

However, he was apprehended by security guards while attempting to enter a terminal building. In his possession were an axe, a replica handgun and a pair of scissors.

Police said he faces charges for possession of methamphetamine, driving under the influence of drugs, intimidation, and causing damage to the airport’s property.

Mr Vachara said the drugs were brought to his place by a friend he hadn’t seen since being discharged from prison last year.