Thailand’s flag carrier said today it was investigating the death of a celebrity’s dog aboard after fans of the Thai-Chinese singer unleashed their fury.
Thai Airways International said it was working to explain the dog’s death after Promwilai “Mimi Lee” Leesiriroj announced it had died by suffocation this past weekend and lashed the airline for not responding to her inquiries.
“At our airline, we value and love all animals,” the airline said in its statement. “We are now investigating with the transport department and will explain the truth to everyone as soon as possible.”
Promwilai, who is known as Li Ziting in China and was a member of Chinese girl group Rocket Girls 101, took to her socials to lament Melody’s death during a flight from Bangkok to Shanghai and call for answers. Her parents had sent the animal to live with Promwilai in Shanghai after two years of separation.
The singer said she attempted to call the airline but got no response.
“Since last night, I had been looking forward to seeing her again after two years,” Promwilai Saturday said on Chinese chat app Weibo. “I went to the airport early today, waiting for customs clearance so I can welcome her. When the personnel received her, they found the dog already dead. I was shaking in shock, what happened to my dog?”
“Melody was my first dog,” she wrote on another post. “You are with me all the time. You are my sweetheart. I love you very much. I’ll resolve everything for you. Rest in peace Melody.”
Over the weekend, #JusticeForMimi was trending on Thai Twitter, where people demanded the airline be held accountable for the dog’s death.
The airline issued its statement after Mimi’s stans turned on it.
“Shipping costs THB50,000 and comes with the kind of irresponsible that can kill an animal? No words,” WhenWhy6 wrote in a tweet. “Feel very sorry for the dog!”
