Thailand Increases Passenger Rights with New Flight Delay and Cancellation Protections

Tuesday, 13 May 2025, 10:51

Bangkok, May 12th, 2025 – The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has unveiled new passenger protection regulations under Civil Aviation Board Notification No. 101, set to take effect on May 20, 2025.

Approved by the Civil Aviation Board, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Suriya Jungrungreangkit, these measures aim to enhance the rights of passengers on both domestic and international scheduled flights, addressing disruptions such as delays and cancellations with a focus on fairness and accountability.

The new rules come as Thailand’s aviation sector continues to recover and grow post-pandemic, with the country welcoming millions of tourists annually. The regulations are part of a broader effort to align Thailand’s aviation standards with international benchmarks.

Enhanced Protections for International Flights

The regulations place a strong emphasis on supporting passengers impacted by unannounced delays or cancellations, particularly those already at the airport. For international flights, the measures outline specific obligations for airlines based on the duration of the delay:

Delays Over 2 Hours: Airlines are required to provide complimentary food and beverages or vouchers tailored to the time of day and length of the delay. Additionally, passengers must have access to free communication tools, such as phone calls or email, to manage their plans.
Delays Over 5 Hours: In addition to food and communication support, airlines must offer at least 1,500 baht (approximately $45 USD) in cash compensation, credit, travel vouchers, frequent flyer miles, or equivalent alternatives within 14 days. Passengers who choose to cancel their travel plans can opt for a full refund or alternative transportation arrangements, such as flights to the same or nearby destinations.
Delays Over 10 Hours: Compensation increases to between 2,000 and 4,500 baht (approximately $60–$135 USD), depending on the flight distance. Airlines must also provide accommodation and shuttle services for passengers requiring overnight stays.

In cases of flight cancellations without at least seven days’ notice, airlines must provide the same level of assistance as for delays exceeding 10 hours. However, exemptions apply if the airline arranges alternative flights within three hours of the original schedule or if cancellations are due to unavoidable external factors, such as severe weather or air traffic control issues.

Tarmac Delays and Onboard Protections
The regulations also address tarmac delays, ensuring passengers are not left stranded onboard aircraft for extended periods. Airlines must maintain adequate ventilation, air-conditioning, and access to toilets during such delays. If a delay exceeds three hours without a confirmed takeoff time, passengers must be allowed to disembark unless safety or air traffic control restrictions prevent it. Immediate medical services must be available for passengers in need.
For domestic flights, the new rules increase existing compensation levels to better protect travelers within Thailand. For delays exceeding five hours, compensation rises from 600 baht to 1,200 baht (approximately $36 USD). For cancellations, compensation increases from 1,200 baht to 1,500 baht. Airlines may offer alternatives like travel vouchers or miles, but cash remains an option. As with international flights, no compensation is required for disruptions caused by weather, disasters, etc.

Industry and Passenger Implications
The regulations are expected to place additional operational and financial responsibilities on airlines, particularly low-cost carriers that dominate Thailand’s domestic market. Airlines failing to comply could face criminal penalties under the Air Navigation Act, reinforcing the seriousness of the new measures. For passengers, the rules promise greater peace of mind, especially for international travelers navigating Thailand’s busy airport hubs like Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports.

As the May 20, 2025, implementation date approaches, CAAT plans to roll out awareness campaigns to ensure both airlines and passengers are well-informed. With these protections, Thailand is positioning itself as a leader in passenger rights in Southeast Asia, balancing the needs of travelers with the demands of a dynamic aviation sector.
The original version of this article appeared on our sister website, The Phuket Express, owned by our parent company TPN media.