Thailand Enhances Passenger Compensation for Flight Delays and Cancellations

Strategic Insights -

Thailand's Civil Aviation Board will introduce updated regulations to provide greater support to passengers facing flight delays or cancellations without notice. As of May 20, 2025, airlines will be required to offer more comprehensive benefits, including free food and drinks, communication options, and cash compensation, among others. The new rules aim to minimize the stress and inconvenience associated with travel disruptions.

Key Takeaways:

  • For international flights delayed more than two hours, airlines must provide free food and drinks matching the waiting time, and free communication options such as phone calls or email access.
  • Passengers facing delays of over five hours will receive at least 1,500 baht in cash, a credit shell, travel vouchers, flyer miles, or similar options within two weeks.
  • Airlines must arrange accommodation and transportation for passengers who require it, and provide alternatives such as a refund, credit shell, travel vouchers, flyer miles, or similar options.
  • For delays over 10 hours, airlines must provide all of the above, plus cash compensation ranging from 2,000 to 4,500 baht, depending on the flight distance.
  • Travellers who cancel flights due to long delays can request a refund, credit shell, travel vouchers, flyer miles, other flights, or a different way to reach the same or a nearby destination.
  • For cancelled flights, airlines must offer the same support as for delays over 10 hours, unless the flight is cancelled at least a week in advance.
  • Domestic flight delays will have cash support doubled from 600 to 1,200 baht for delays over five hours, and from 1,200 to 1,500 baht for cancelled flights.
  • Airlines can also offer credit shells, travel vouchers, flyer miles, or similar options for domestic flight delays.

Statistics:

  • Passengers will receive at least 600 baht in cash support for international flight delays up to five hours (doubled to 1,200 baht for domestic flights).
  • For international flights delayed over five hours, passengers will receive at least 1,500 baht in cash support.
  • Cash compensation for domestic flight delays will range from 2,000 to 4,500 baht, depending on the flight distance.
  • Credit shells, travel vouchers, flyer miles, or similar options must be provided to passengers within 14 days of cancellation or delay.
  • Tarmac delays are limited to three hours without a clear take-off time, after which passengers have the right to leave the plane unless it affects safety or air traffic.

Sources:

  • The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT)
  • The Thai Civil Aviation Board
  • Unnamed airline sources cited in the article