THAI bans Samsung Galaxy Note 7 onboard

BANGKOK, Sept 10 (TNA) -- Thai Airways International (THAI), the national flag carrier, has banned the in-flight use of the new Samsung Galaxy Note 7 or packing the smartphones into any checked-in luggage in fears of explosion. THAI Aviation Safety, Security and Standards Department director Flt Lt Prathana Pattanasiri said that since the new model of the phone producer is being recalled worldwide due to a battery malfuction, the airline has asked that all passengers in possession of the phone model refrain from using or charging the phone onboard all aircrafts and to not load the phone with their luggages. In addition, Flt Lt Pratana said if any passenger had found that their electronic device was broken or was having an usual high temperature or that it had slipped to the space between the seats, they must immediately notify the flight attendant on duty. The director said the mentioned regulation is part of the company's highest safety protocol and is in line with the European Aviation Safety Agency or EASA's aviation safety standards. Samsung issued a global recall for its new large-screen Galaxy Note 7, after dozens of users have reported that the device had exploded or caught fire. The company also announced on its Samsung US website that the new model is having a slight problem with its battery and is halting all sales of the model, after 35 consunmers worldwide had informed their phone had exploded or caught fire. (TNA)