Travel Thailand Enhances Compensation for Travellers Facing Flight Issues

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Arrival/Departure board at an airport in Bangkok | Photo via kuponjabah/Getty Images

 

From 20 May, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) will improve compensation for travellers affected by unannounced flight delays and cancellations. These new measures aim to better assist travellers already waiting at airports.

 

For international flights, airlines must provide complimentary meals and communication access if delays exceed two hours. If delays stretch beyond five hours, airlines need to offer either 1,500 baht in cash or alternatives like travel vouchers within 14 days. Accommodation and shuttle services must also be arranged for those in need. For delays over 10 hours, compensations increase to between 2,000 and 4,500 baht, depending on flight distance, with similar alternative options.

 

In the event of flight cancellations, compensation matches that of delays exceeding 10 hours, provided the cancellation wasn't announced seven days in advance. If an alternative flight is offered within a three-hour window of the original schedule or due to unavoidable factors, assistance may not be required.

 

For domestic flights, compensation for delays over five hours will rise from 600 to 1,200 baht, while cancellation compensations increase from 1,200 to 1,500 baht—also extendable to equivalent alternatives. Assistance may not be given if delays are due to unavoidable circumstances.

 

Additionally, the policy includes guidelines for tarmac delays, ensuring passengers can disembark after three hours if take-off isn't imminent, provided it’s safe.

This development aims to offer fairer treatment to travellers facing unexpected disruptions, enhancing comfort and communication during their journey.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-05-13