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Woman, 44, allegedly swallowed 3.8cm satay stick on SIA flight, suing & seeking damages
She was a child star in Thailand.
August 03, 2026, 12:10 PM
Photos via Unsplash & Briohny Smyth
A woman is suing Singapore Airlines (SIA) after she allegedly swallowed a wooden satay stick while consuming her in-flight meal.
Briohny Smyth, 44, was flying business class from Singapore to Los Angeles on Jul. 28, 2024, when the incident happened.
Lodged in throat
According to a legal complaint filed by her lawyer, she was served chicken satay on a wooden skewer, The Independent reported.
A wooden fragment from the skewer was lodged in her throat, it was reported.
This resulted in "immediate pain, choking sensations, coughing, respiratory distress, and physical injury".
3.8cm stick
She managed to cough up the wooden splinter that measured 1.5 inches (3.8cm), her complaint stated.
The process of expelling the foreign object was described as a "very difficult moment" on the flight.
The complaint further alleged that she experienced "persistent throat discomfort, vocal fatigue, raspiness, tightness, and pain with prolonged speaking and singing".
She eventually consulted an otolaryngologist who found scarring and trauma to her vocal cords, the complaint stated.
The complaint also stated that she is seeking damages for past and future medical bills, past and future loss of earnings and earning capacity, emotional distress and more.
Yoga teacher, former child star
Smyth was described as a "professional singer, performer, wellness educator, and public speaker whose livelihood substantially depends upon the integrity and performance of her voice" in her complaint.
Her Instagram account says that she is a yoga teacher and communicates with people as part of her work as an instructor.
She teaches yoga in Los Angeles now, The Independent also reported.
According to Thai media, Smyth was a former child pop star who is recognised in Thailand after she had a platinum album at the age of 13.
