Thailand’s Civil Aviation Authority has introduced stricter checked-baggage screening at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, allowing authorised security personnel to open bags without the passenger present when screening raises suspicion of prohibited or dangerous items. Effective from 16 October, the rules prohibit power banks and spare lithium batteries in checked baggage and cover weapons, explosives, hazardous chemicals and other dangerous goods.
The measure is intended to identify and remove items that could threaten aviation safety before baggage is loaded onto aircraft. Inspections must be recorded, and staff are required to place a baggage-inspection notice inside any bag that has been opened so the owner is informed.
Passengers have been advised to review baggage restrictions before travelling and allow additional time for check-in, baggage drop and security procedures. Suvarnabhumi guidance also recommends using approved locks, as non-compliant or suspicious bags may need to be opened during screening.
At Don Mueang Airport, staff inspected 927 checked bags between 16 and 22 October and found 1,122 prohibited or non-compliant items. Power banks, lighters, e-cigarettes and flammable materials were among the items detected. The findings underline the broader enforcement of Thailand’s checked-baggage rules, but do not indicate a worldwide tightening of regulations for general goods deliveries.