Bangkok:Don Mueang Airport has issued a reminder to passengers to carefully check their baggage for prohibited items before loading it into the aircraft's cargo hold. This advisory follows a directive from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) concerning the inspection of checked baggage, effective from October 16, 2026, aiming to enhance air travel safety and prevent prohibited items from being carried on board.
According to Thai News Agency, Air Chief Marshal Pakpong Suwanmolli, Acting Director of Don Mueang Airport, emphasized the importance of adhering to CAAT regulations for air travel security. He noted that baggage inspections can be conducted if there is reasonable suspicion of prohibited or dangerous items, without requiring the passenger's presence, as long as the inspection follows CAAT's criteria.
During security operations at Don Mueang Airport from October 16-22, 2026, officers inspected 927 checked bags, discovering 1,122 prohibited or non-compliant items, including power banks, lighters, e-cigarettes, and flammable materials. This underscores the need for passengers to verify their baggage contents to mitigate risks and avoid potential problems during flights.
Passengers are advised to ensure their checked baggage contains no prohibited items, such as power banks, battery-powered devices, explosives, weapons, flammable materials, and dangerous chemicals. They should also review airline-specific baggage regulations before travel. The Airports of Thailand (AOT) recommends using TSA locks to secure baggage and minimize damage risk during inspections. Should an inspection occur, the process will be documented, and a Notice of Baggage Inspection will be placed inside the baggage. Passengers are also advised against placing valuables in checked baggage.