Thailand New Rules for Passengers on International Flights Effective 20 May 2025
Thailand New Rules for Passengers on International Flights Effective 20 May 2025
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The Civil Aviation Board (CAB), chaired by Mr. Suriya Jungrungreangkit, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, has issued CAB Regulation No. 101 regarding passenger rights protection for both domestic and international scheduled flights. The new regulation will come into effect on May 20, 2025.
The regulation aims to strengthen passenger rights in cases where international flights are delayed or canceled without prior notice, and where passengers have already arrived at the airport.
✈️ Key Measures for International Flight Delays:
🛫 For delays over 2 hours: Airlines must provide food and beverages (or vouchers) appropriate to the waiting time and meal schedule, as well as means of communication (e.g., phone or email access) free of charge.
🛫 For delays over 5 hours: In addition to the above, airlines must:
• Provide monetary compensation of 1,500 THB or an equivalent in credit shells, travel vouchers, frequent flyer miles, or other forms of compensation of equal or higher value, to be issued within 14 days.
• Offer accommodation and transport if an overnight stay is necessary.
• Offer passengers the choice to either cancel their trip and receive a full refund or select an alternative compensation method.
🛫 For delays over 10 hours: Airlines must offer all of the above and:
• Provide compensation within 14 days based on flight distance:
– 2,000 THB for flights ≤1,500 km
– 3,500 THB for flights 1,500–3,500 km
– 4,500 THB for flights >3,500 km
• Offer passengers a choice between a refund (including taxes and fees), rebooking, or alternative transportation to the destination or a nearby location.
🛫 Flight Cancellations or Denied Boarding:
Passengers are entitled to the same compensation as for delays over 10 hours, unless:
• The cancellation is notified at least 7 days in advance, or
• The new flight departs no more than 3 hours before or after the original schedule, or
• The cancellation is due to extraordinary circumstances beyond the airline’s control, even after reasonable measures have been taken.
✈️ For Domestic Flights:
Compensation amounts have been increased:
🛫 For delays over 5 hours: from 600 THB to 1,200 THB
🛫 For cancellations: from 1,200 THB to 1,500 THB
Airlines may offer refunds in cash or equivalent forms such as credit shells, travel vouchers, or frequent flyer miles. Compensation is exempted in cases of unforeseeable and unavoidable external events.
✈️ Tarmac Delay Measures:
The regulation also addresses delays where the aircraft is grounded with passengers on board. Airlines must provide:
• Proper ventilation, temperature control, and access to restrooms;
• Immediate medical attention for passengers in need;
• Permission for passengers to deplane if the delay exceeds 3 hours and there is no scheduled take-off time—except where it may compromise safety or air traffic control.
CAB Regulation No. 101 represents a major step forward in aligning Thailand’s aviation standards with international norms. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) will actively promote understanding of these regulations among airlines and the traveling public to ensure effective implementation and maximum benefit for all passengers.
This definitely one of the best Thailand New Rules for Passengers on International Flights Effective 20 May 2025. Can’t wait to travel back to Thailand again!
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