(Bangkok, 9th) The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) will implement new aviation security measures starting from October 16, authorizing security personnel to open and inspect checked baggage without the traveler's consent.
According to the Bangkok Post, CAAT stated that staff will only inspect baggage prepared to be placed in the aircraft cargo hold, and only if it is suspected of containing prohibited items or items that may endanger aviation safety after being scanned by X-ray.
Suspicious luggage will be opened in a designated area, with the entire inspection process recorded on video and relevant evidence collected for future verification. Travelers will also be notified after the inspection is completed.
Suspicious luggage will be opened in a designated area, with the entire inspection process recorded on video and relevant evidence collected for future verification. Travelers will also be notified after the inspection is completed.
CAAT recommends that travelers use luggage locks approved by the United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA Lock), so that security staff can open the luggage for inspection without damaging the suitcase or lock.
The authorities pointed out that similar practices are already in place in Singapore, Japan, South Korea, the United States, as well as several European and Middle Eastern countries, and noted that as security staff can directly inspect suspicious luggage, the new measures will help reduce travel delays.
Once the new measures are officially in effect, if travelers have any concerns regarding the luggage inspection procedure, they can file a complaint through CAAT's complaint platform.