Thailand to open suspicious checked bags without owners’ presence
The new measure will take
effect on October 16, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand
(CAAT). It will apply only to checked baggage destined for an aircraft’s cargo
hold that has undergone X-ray screening and been flagged for further
inspection.
Under the procedure,
suspicious luggage will be opened at designated locations, with the process
recorded on video and evidence collected to ensure proper oversight. Passengers
will be notified after their bags have been inspected.
CAAT has advised
travelers to use luggage fitted with TSA-approved locks, which can be opened by
authorized security personnel without damaging the bags.
The regulator said
similar procedures are already used in several countries, including Singapore,
Japan, South Korea, the United States, and countries across Europe and the
Middle East.
Authorities said the
system is also intended to reduce airport delays by allowing security officers
to inspect suspicious baggage without first locating and contacting its owner.
Thailand first announced
the policy in February, giving airports and other stakeholders time to prepare
for its implementation.
Passengers who have
concerns about baggage inspections after the new rules take effect will be able
to submit complaints through CAAT’s official complaint portal.
