The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has outlined new procedures allowing security personnel to open checked baggage without passengers present if suspicious items are detected. These measures, set to take effect on October 16, 2026, were clarified in guidance issued on October 11.
According to the regulator, additional searches may be conducted if baggage screening reveals irregularities or raises security concerns. These inspections must adhere to established protocols, be deemed necessary, and proportionate to the identified risk.
CAAT’s published guidelines permit security staff to open suspicious checked bags in the absence of the passenger. The process requires a record of the opening and a notice detailing the inspection to be placed inside the luggage. The authority emphasized that opening bags without prior notification is reserved for situations where screening flags suspicious objects or items that could pose a threat to aviation security.
Searches will be conducted in designated areas, with all images and evidence retained for review, allowing authorities to track who performed the inspection and what was discovered. Passengers will be informed of any such inspection after it has occurred. CAAT stated that these procedures are also intended to minimize delays associated with locating passengers before their luggage can be opened.
Passengers who find missing items or suspect an improper search are encouraged to request the airport operator to review the relevant procedures and evidence.
Prior to travel, CAAT advises passengers to thoroughly check their bags for prohibited items and dangerous goods. They also recommend against packing valuables, fragile belongings, or important documents in checked luggage. The use of internationally recognized locks, such as TSA locks, is suggested to reduce the risk of damage during an inspection. Passengers experiencing issues or damage related to these measures can file complaints through their airline or via CAAT’s online system at complaint.caat.or.th.
CAAT recommends using TSA-compatible locks, which can be opened by security staff with specialized equipment if an inspection is necessary, thereby reducing the potential for luggage damage. This is a recommendation, not a mandatory requirement. Passengers are advised to keep cash, jewelry, passports, and other essential documents in their carry-on luggage and to avoid placing fragile items in checked bags. It is also recommended to consult airline and destination-specific guidelines on prohibited items and dangerous goods before packing. As an additional precaution, passengers may consider photographing their suitcase before check-in and retaining their baggage receipt until they have collected their luggage.
These new rules do not imply that every checked bag will be opened. Searches conducted without passengers present are specifically for instances where screening raises security concerns. CAAT mandates that such inspections be recorded and that passengers be notified afterward, including through a notice placed inside the bag.