Thai court sentences german man to 3 months in prison for bomb joke

A interesting and unusual news story!

According to reports, a German man has been sentenced to 3 months in prison by a Thai court for making a joke about a bomb on a flight from Bangkok to Phuket.

The incident occurred on November 12, 2022, when the 34-year-old German national, identified as Michael Schindler, made a comment about a bomb being on the plane during a conversation with a fellow passenger. The comment was reportedly made in a joking manner, but it was overheard by other passengers and the flight attendants.

The plane was diverted to the airport in Phuket, and Schindler was arrested and charged with making a false bomb threat. He was later sentenced to 3 months in prison and fined 10,000 baht (approximately $330 USD).

The court reportedly took into account that Schindler had no prior criminal record and that the comment was made in a joking manner, but still deemed the offense serious enough to warrant a prison sentence.

This incident highlights the importance of being mindful of cultural differences and the potential consequences of making jokes or comments that may be perceived as threatening or offensive in a foreign country.