On May 21, 2024, Singapore Airlines (SIA) flight SQ321, which departed from London, made an emergency landing at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport after encountering “sudden extreme turbulence” over the Irrawaddy Basin about 10 hours into the flight. The flight was originally bound for Singapore and had 211 passengers and 18 crew members on board, including 41 Singaporeans.
Following the incident, 85 injured passengers were taken to three hospitals in Bangkok: Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital, Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital, and Bangkok Hospital. As of May 22, 1pm, 27 passengers have been discharged, leaving 58 passengers still hospitalized. Of these, 13 passengers, including one Singaporean, are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital, while seven passengers, including one Singaporean, are in the ICU at Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital.
Two Singaporean passengers are currently in the ICU at Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital, and three others are hospitalized at Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital. Two Singaporeans are being treated at Bangkok Hospital, but neither is in the ICU.
Samitivej Hospital reported that nine patients successfully underwent surgery at its Srinakarin hospital on May 21 and are in stable condition. Five other patients are expected to undergo surgery on May 22.
Five passengers and one crew member have returned to Singapore, while 74 passengers and six crew members are still in Bangkok, including those receiving medical care and their family members. SIA is actively reaching out to the passengers’ family members and loved ones to provide updates and support.
SIA’s chairman, Peter Seah, assured all passengers and crew members on board the aircraft that the company is committed to supporting them during this difficult time. Family members and loved ones seeking information can contact SIA through the hotlines at +65 6542 3311 (Singapore), 1800-845-313 (Australia), and 080-0066-8194 (the United Kingdom).