What to do when your flight is delayed or canceled, along with the compensation you are entitled to when unexpected disruptions occur. 

With multiple flight cancellations reported in recent months, flight delays, cancellations or denied boarding are situations no traveler wants to encounter. However, if they happen, it is important to know your basic rights so you can receive proper protection and compensation from the airline according to the regulations. 

Starting from 20 May 2025, a new regulation by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (Notification No. 101 on Measures for Protecting the Rights of Passengers on Scheduled Domestic and International Flights) has come into effect. This regulation provides clearer protection for all passengers and allows compensation of up to 4,500 THB. 

Here is a breakdown of the compensation and assistance you are entitled to. 

Flight Delay 

Domestic Flights 

• Delay over 2 hours 
  • Complimentary food and beverage 
  • Communication facilities such as phone calls, internet, Wi-Fi, or other communication devices 
  • Receive a reimbursement if the passenger no longer wishes to travel (the airline may offer a Credit Shell, Travel Voucher or mileage refund) 
• Delay over 3 hours 
  • Complimentary food and beverage 
  • Communication facilities such as phone calls, internet or Wi-Fi, or other communication devices 
  • You may choose to receive a reimbursement, change to another flight or switch to another mode of transportation 
• Delay over 5 hours 
  • Complimentary food and beverage 
  • Communication facilities such as phone calls, internet or Wi-Fi, or other communication devices 
  • You may choose to receive a reimbursement, change to another flight or switch to another mode of transportation 
  • Compensation of 1,200 THB (Except in cases caused by unforeseeable and unavoidable external events despite reasonable measures by the airline) 

International Flights 

• Delay over 2 hours 
  • Complimentary food and beverage 
  • Communication facilities such as phone calls, the internet or Wi-Fi 
• Delay over 5 hours 
  • Complimentary food and beverages 
  • Communication facilities such as phone calls, the internet or Wi-Fi 
  • Accommodation with airport transfers if an overnight stay is required 
  • Receive a reimbursement if the passenger no longer wishes to travel (the airline may offer a Credit Shell, Travel Voucher or mileage refund) 
  • Compensation of 1,500 THB (Except in situations caused by unforeseeable and unavoidable external events) 
• Delay over 10 hours 
  • Complimentary food and beverages 
  • Communication facilities such as phone calls, internet or Wi-Fi 
  • Accommodation with airport transfers if an overnight stay is required 
  • You may choose to receive a reimbursement, change to another flight or switch to another mode of transportation 
  • Distance based compensation 
    • 2,000 THB for routes up to 1,500 km 
    • 3,500 THB for routes between 1,500 and 3,500 km 
    • 4,500 THB for routes over 3,500 km 

Special Case: Tarmac Delay 

If the aircraft is still on the ground and passengers remain onboard, passengers must receive assistance similar to standard delays. Additional requirements include: 

• Proper ventilation, temperature control and access to restrooms 
• Prompt medical assistance for those with urgent needs 
• Permission for passengers to disembark if the delay exceeds 3 hours and no departure time is confirmed (Unless disembarking poses safety concerns) 

Flight Cancellation 

Domestic Flights 

• Complimentary food and beverage 
• Communication facilities such as phone calls, the internet or Wi-Fi 
• Accommodation with transfers if an overnight stay is required 
• You may choose to receive a reimbursement, change to another flight or switch to another mode of transportation 
• Compensation of 1,500 THB 

International Flights 

• Complimentary food and beverage 
• Communication facilities such as phone calls, the internet or Wi-Fi 
• Accommodation with transfers if an overnight stay is required 
• You may choose to receive a reimbursement, change to another flight or switch to another mode of transportation 
• Distance-based compensation 
  • 2,000 THB for routes up to 1,500 km
  • 3,500 THB for routes 1,500 to 3,500 km 
  • 4,500 THB for routes over 3,500 km 

Exceptions where airlines are not required to pay compensation 

• The cancellation is announced at least 3 days in advance for domestic flights or 7 days in advance for international flights 
• The airline announces the cancellation later than the above period, but provides a substitute flight that departs or arrives no more than 3 hours earlier or later than the original schedule 
• The cancellation is caused by unforeseeable and unavoidable extraordinary circumstances, even when reasonable measures have been taken 

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