CAAT has announced the "Inspection of Registered Baggage to Be Carried on Aircraft Regulation 2026," granting authorities the power to open and search checked baggage without the passenger being present, destroy locks without compensation, effective 16 October 2026, to raise aviation security measures. Passengers are advised to check for prohibited items and illegal goods.
A news report has indicated that the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has issued an announcement dated 24 February 2026, titled "Inspection of Registered Baggage to Be Carried on Aircraft 2026," which takes effect from 16 October 2026 onwards, in order to raise aviation security measures to comply with international standards.
The regulation stipulates that public airport operators shall have the authority and duty to inspect registered baggage. In cases where registered baggage is being screened and there is suspicion that it contains suspicious objects, explosives, prohibited items, dangerous materials, or any other items that are forbidden from being carried on an aircraft, screening officers shall have the authority to open such baggage for inspection. If suspicious objects, explosives, prohibited items, dangerous materials, or any other items forbidden from being carried on an aircraft are found, screening officers shall have the authority to seize such items without returning them and shall proceed in accordance with applicable laws, rules, regulations, or relevant guidelines.
Furthermore, public airport operators must provide a method for recording footage of the opening of baggage for inspection and must also provide a method to notify the baggage owner that their baggage has been opened and searched.
CAAT has issued a recommendation that passengers should check their registered baggage to ensure compliance with announcements concerning prohibited items, illegal goods, and airport security requirements before every trip.
CAAT has also publicized guidelines on the inspection of registered baggage for passengers travelling by aircraft, recommending that passengers choose luggage locks or locking systems that meet international standards, such as TSA Locks, which can be opened with a Master Key or TSA Master Tool, so that inspection when necessary can be carried out appropriately without causing damage to the passenger's registered baggage (checked baggage in the aircraft hold).
In this regard, the inspection of registered baggage is an aviation security measure in accordance with international standards. If baggage is opened for inspection, the airport will collect evidence and notify the passenger through a baggage inspection notification document. In cases where items prohibited from being carried on an aircraft are found, screening officers have the authority to seize such items in order to proceed in accordance with applicable laws, rules, regulations, or relevant guidelines.
CAAT also emphasized that checking the contents of baggage before travelling will help ensure a smooth journey and enhance safety on every flight.
