THAILAND – New Thailand Checked Baggage Screening Procedures 2026

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has introduced a new regulation regarding the security screening of checked baggage at public airports in Thailand.

Effective Date

The new regulation will take effect on 16 October 2026.

What Is This?

Under the new regulation, airport security officers may open and inspect checked baggage without the passenger or baggage owner being present when screening identifies suspicious items, explosives, prohibited items, dangerous goods or other items prohibited from carriage on aircraft.
This allows the required security inspection to be carried out without the passenger needing to return to the baggage screening area.

What Travelers Should Know

If checked baggage requires further security inspection:

• The opening and inspection of the baggage will be recorded.
• A notice will be placed inside the baggage to inform the traveler that it has been opened and inspected.
• Prohibited or dangerous items found during the inspection may be seized and will not be returned.
• If the baggage cannot be opened using standard security tools, officers may need to open or damage the lock to complete the inspection.
• Compensation cannot be claimed for damage to locking devices resulting from an authorized security inspection

What We Recommend

Before traveling, we recommend that travelers:

• Ensure that checked baggage does not contain prohibited or dangerous items.
• Consider using a TSA lock to help reduce the risk of damage during baggage inspection.
• Keep power banks and spare lithium batteries out of checked baggage.
• Be aware that checked baggage may be opened for security inspection without the traveler being called back or present.
• Keep valuables and essential medication in carry-on baggage, where permitted.

Travelers should also check their airline’s latest baggage requirements before departure.

Our Support for Travellers

Our Operations Team is working closely with our ground teams. Our guides and airport representatives are being briefed on the updated procedure and will provide travelers with relevant information in advance, where applicable.

We will continue to follow official updates from CAAT and keep our teams and partners informed of any important developments.

Please do not hesitate to contact our team if you have any further questions.

Source: Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) and Airports of Thailand (AOT)