PETALING JAYA (The Star/Asia News Network) - A buzzing sex toy delayed a Thai AirAsia flight from Chiang Mai to Bangkok on Wednesday (Sept 28) morning after it was mistaken for a bomb.

Britain's Daily Star reported that the vibrator caused panic among staff when they heard a loud humming as they were loading a green rucksack onto the plane.

Fearing that it was an explosive device, the baggage handlers radioed for bomb disposal experts who rushed to the runway at Chiang Mai International Airport.

But they could breathe a sigh of relief when they discovered that the sound had come from a silver vibrating bullet with a speed dial that had accidentally been turned on.

"We noticed the bag was shaking and there was a buzzing noise coming from inside.

"Obviously we were pretty scared because this could have been a bomb or some other explosive device.

"But when the experts arrived they opened up the package and it was just a sex toy.

"The passenger is unaware that their bag caused a security alert. I think they would be deeply embarrassed if they found out," a baggage handler was quoted as saying.

The flight was scheduled to leave Chiang Mai International Airport in Thailand for Bangkok's Don Mueang International Airport at 8.25am on Wednesday.

It took off shortly after 8.30 am - with the passenger oblivious that the rucksack had caused panic.

A Thai AirAsia spokesman said the airline did not confiscate the item as it did not threaten aviation security.

"The flight was delayed by five minutes," the spokesman told the Daily Star.