Thailand's Civil Aviation Authority (CAAT) has introduced new regulations allowing airport security officers to open and inspect checked luggage without passengers being present if suspicious items are suspected.
The measure will officially take effect on Oct. 16, 2026.
According to Thai media reports, under the new rules, public airport operators will be responsible for inspecting checked baggage. If security officers have reasonable grounds to suspect that a checked bag contains explosives, prohibited items, dangerous goods or other items not permitted on aircraft, they will have the authority to open the luggage for inspection.
If restricted items are found, security personnel may confiscate them without returning them to passengers and take further action in accordance with relevant laws, regulations or procedures.
To ensure transparency during the inspection process and protect passengers' rights, the new regulations set strict procedural requirements for airport operators.
All checked bags that are opened for inspection must be fully recorded on video throughout the process. Airport operators must also keep detailed records of each inspection and notify the relevant passengers.
In addition, after completing the inspection, security officers must place a standardized "baggage inspection notification" inside the luggage, clearly informing passengers that their bags have been opened and inspected, as well as the reason for the inspection.
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