Thailand Increases Traveller Compensation for Flight Delays and Cancellations Starting May 20
BANGKOK — Beginning May 20, travellers flying to or within Thailand will benefit from significantly improved compensation if their flights are delayed or cancelled without prior notice, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) announced.
Under the new Civil Aviation Board directive, passengers on international flights facing delays over two hours must be provided with free food, beverages, and communication access (e.g., phone or email). If the delay exceeds five hours, airlines must offer at least 1,500 baht in compensation via cash, credit shell, travel voucher, or flyer miles within 14 days. Travellers may also opt for a refund.
For delays longer than 10 hours, airlines must provide cash compensation between 2,000 and 4,500 baht, depending on flight distance, along with continued support such as accommodation, shuttle transport, or alternate flight options. These benefits also apply to unannounced cancellations, unless the airline informed passengers at least seven days in advance or offered a replacement flight within a three-hour window of the original schedule.
For domestic flights, cash compensation for delays over five hours will increase from 600 to 1,200 baht, and for cancellations, from 1,200 to 1,500 baht. Airlines may alternatively provide compensation via vouchers, miles, or similar equivalents.
The new regulations also cover tarmac delays: if passengers remain on the ground for over three hours without a scheduled take-off, they must be allowed to disembark, barring safety or air traffic control restrictions. Cabins must remain ventilated, air-conditioned, and toilets accessible, with immediate medical aid available if necessary.
These changes are designed to enhance passenger rights, increase airline accountability, and bring Thailand’s aviation standards in line with international best practices.
