BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand’s aviation regulator prepared sweeping changes to passenger security checks while the main airport operator moved ahead with a sharp increase in international passenger charges, prompting concern among staff, experts and travellers.
New security rules after international review
According to a report by DailyNews on 23 February, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) introduced new rules for screening passengers and their luggage, although no official notice had yet appeared on its website or Facebook page. The changes were based on recommendations from the United States of Aviation Program (USAP), which called for improvements to aviation security standards in the country.
Shift away from hand-held detectors
USAP found, according to the report, that several states had moved from hand‑held metal detectors (HHMD) to consistent manual checks of every passenger. Searches were to be carried out by security staff of the same gender as the person being screened.
Phase-out by 2027 and wider search powers
DailyNews reported that CAAT planned to end the use of HHMD from January 2027, relying instead on manual pat-downs, walk‑through metal detectors (WTMD) and body scanners. Airport staff were also expected to receive broad powers to search suspicious bags and items at any time without first informing the passengers concerned.
Mandatory documentation of baggage checks
At the same time, the concept required that every baggage search be documented by video or other means and shown to passengers on request. This procedure was to come into force by October this year at the latest.
Staff fear delays and confusion
Airport employees expressed concern, according to DailyNews, that the new measures had so far been communicated too little to the public and might therefore be met with a lack of understanding from travellers. They feared that increased manual checks could lead to delays, longer waiting times and discomfort, especially because of more intensive physical contact.
Risk of disputes over unannounced searches
The report also highlighted worries that unannounced baggage searches could trigger more complaints and conflicts. Staff viewed cases involving allegedly lost valuables in connection with inspections as particularly prone to disputes.
Passenger fee raised for international flights
Parallel to the security plans, Airports of Thailand (AOT) announced an increase in the Passenger Service Charge (PSC) for international flights from 730 baht to 1,120 baht per person. Some experts warned that this rise could noticeably push up travel costs and influence destination choices among international visitors.
Criticism of higher charges and demand for improvements
DailyNews further reported that the new PSC exceeded the fees at some of the world’s five leading airports.
“The higher fee must be reflected in clear and concrete improvements in services and infrastructure at the airports and must not only increase profits, bonuses and dividends.”
said Samart Ratchaphongsit, former chairman of the Democrat Party.
Implementation at six airports in June
AOT confirmed that the increased PSC would be collected from 20 June at six international airports in the country. Higher charges and tighter controls were to take effect at different times but could permanently change the travel experience at major airports.