Thai Airport Screening Shake-Up Raises Worker Concerns

Thai Airport Screening Shake-Up Raises Worker Concerns Ahead of Rollout

Thai airport workers are reportedly worried about proposed passenger screening changes that would move away from handheld metal detectors and increase manual body searches and bag inspections. The reported plan says suspicious bags could be searched without prior notice to passengers, though searches would need to be recorded and shown if requested. Reports say the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand is aiming to phase out handheld metal detectors from January 2027, with screening shifting to manual checks, walk-through detectors, and body scanners. Some workers fear the public has not been properly informed and say the changes could trigger complaints over delays, discomfort, and disputes involving valuables. The same report also noted a separate debate around a higher international passenger service charge, which Airports of Thailand has confirmed will take effect on June 20 at six airports.