Domestic and international airlines must compensate passengers under new rules.
From 20 May 2025, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand introduced tougher ‘passengers’ rights’ regulations, benefitting travellers on international flights from Thailand as well as domestic flights in the country. Under these new rules, airlines are required to provide support and compensation for flight delays or cancellations without prior notice, especially when passengers have already arrived at the airport.
For delays over two hours, airlines must:
- Offer complimentary food and beverages or coupons appropriate to the time of day and length of the delay
- Provide free communication tools such as access to phone calls or emails
For delays over five hours, in addition to the above, airlines must:
- Compensate passengers with 1,500 baht (AU$70) in cash or the equivalent in travel credit or vouchers, frequent flyer miles or other forms of equal value within 14 days
- Provide accommodation and transfers if an overnight stay is required due to the delay
- Offer passengers the option to cancel their journey and receive a full refund or alternative forms of compensation such as travel credit or vouchers
For delays over 10 hours, airlines must provide the same support as for delays of two and five hours however the compensation will be increased based on flight distance:
- 2,000 baht (AU$95) for flights not exceeding 1,500km
- 3,500 baht (AU$165) for flights between 1,500-3,500km
- 4,500 baht (AU$213) for flights over 3,500km
For international flight cancellations or denied boarding passengers will be entitled to the same level of compensation as for delays exceeding 10 hours with the following exceptions:
- The airline notifies passengers of the cancellation at least seven days in advance or gives notice within seven days but offers an alternative flight departing within three hours of the original time
- Or if the cancellation is due to unforeseeable and unavoidable circumstances despite the airline having taken appropriate measures
Updated rules for domestic flights require the passenger compensation be increased:
- 1,200 baht (AU$56) for delays over five hours (previously 600 baht)
- 1,500 baht (AU$70) for cancellations (previously 1,200 baht)
- No compensation is required if domestic flights are delayed or cancelled due to unavoidable situations
