Furby can travel but without batteries

Airports of Thailand on Monday dismissed a report that a Furby, a popular electronic robotic toy, is not allowed on board aeroplanes, saying the toy can travel if the batteries are taken out.

Airports of Thailand's director Somchai Sawasdipol said Furby, a toy resembling a hamster or owl-like creature, has a sophisticated electronic system and its batteries generate more electrical power than mobile phones.

The batteries could therefore possibly be adapted for illegal use and for safety reasons, he said, the toy could be carried on board only if the batteries were removed. A passenger must notify officials about the batteries.

He added that under aviation rules, batteries as well as guns and knives are prohibited from being carried on board an aircraft.

Somchai held a press briefing Monday to respond to widespread rumours that Furby, now a popular and must-have toy in Thailand, was not allowed to be carried on board. It capabilities have been translated into 24 languages.