BANGKOK – Thailand’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAAT) will let airport security teams inspect suspicious checked bags without the passenger present. The updated screening approach starts on Oct 16.
Under the new checked baggage rules, staff can open luggage headed to an aircraft’s cargo hold when they suspect explosives, dangerous goods, or other banned items.
To keep the process transparent, CAAT requires video recording for every inspection. Afterward, passengers can review the footage. In addition, a second staff member must observe the search, and the passenger must receive a written notice confirming that the bag was opened and checked.
CAAT introduced the changes after the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) ran its Universal Security Audit Programme (USAP) review in late 2025. The audit pointed to gaps in Thailand’s screening practices.
Inspectors reported uneven use of handheld metal detectors, which led to some body areas not being fully screened. As a result, Thailand posted low Effective Implementation (EI) scores in key areas, including 25% for access control and 57% for passenger and cabin security.
To address the issues, CAAT ordered airports to stop using handheld metal detectors starting Jan 1. Going forward, security teams may use only three options for body screening: pat-down checks, walk-through metal detectors, and body scanners.
Checked Baggage Rules at Thailand’s Airports
If you are flying with Thai Airways starting March 2, 2026, your allowance is based on the number of bags rather than just total weight:
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Domestic Flights: 1 checked bag (23-25kg for Economy, 32kg for Business).
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International Flights: Usually 2 bags for most tickets (23-25kg each for Economy, 32kg each for Business).
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Important: You can no longer combine the weight of multiple small bags. If your limit is “1 piece,” you cannot bring two small bags even if their total weight is under the limit.
2. Forbidden Items in Checked Bags
To avoid security delays, never put these in your checked luggage:
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Power Banks & Lithium Batteries: These must stay in your carry-on.
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E-Cigarettes & Vapes: These are strictly carry-on only (and illegal to use in Thailand).
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Lighters: Most airlines require you to carry one small lighter on your person, not in checked bags.
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Alcohol over 70% ABV: High-proof spirits are considered a fire hazard and are banned.
3. Size and Weight Standards
Across all Thai airports, the general limits for a single bag are:
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Maximum Weight: 32kg per bag. This is a safety rule for baggage handlers; any bag heavier must be repacked into two bags.
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Dimensions: The sum of length + width + height must not exceed 158 cm (62 inches).
4. Special Items (Food & Liquids)
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Liquids: Unlike carry-on bags, there is no 100ml limit for checked luggage. You can pack large bottles of shampoo, wine (under 70% alcohol), and lotions.
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Durian: Allowed only if vacuum-sealed and packed in a way that prevents the smell from leaking. Some airlines still ban it entirely, so check your specific carrier.
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Seafood/Meat: Must be in a sealed container (like a foam box) to prevent leaks onto other passengers’ bags.
5. Self-Service Bag Drop
Most airports now have “Self-Bag Drop” machines.
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How it works: Scan your boarding pass, print the tag, and place the bag on the belt.
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Tip: If your bag is “oversized” (like a golf bag or a large box), these machines won’t accept it. You must go to the Oversized Baggage counter.
