MP Slams Thai Airways Over Baggage Delays, Demands Minister Explain
MP Sokhathi Phattiyakul condemned Thai Airways for leaving thousands of passengers without their luggage and damaging the country's reputation. He demanded that the Transport Minister explain the baggage backlog and ensure compensation exceeds legal requirements. The incident has led to flight cancellations and public outrage over the airline's handling of the crisis.
On October 1, 2069, during a parliamentary session, MP Sokhathi Phattiyakul questioned Transport Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakan about ongoing problems with Thai Airways baggage handling. He noted that the minister was abroad and wondered whether he would use the airline or suffer similar delays. Sokhathi emphasized that the issue harms Thailand’s reputation because Thai Airways remains the national carrier, even though it is no longer a state enterprise.
He described how, starting on September 26, evening flights saw luggage arrive as early as 5 p.m., yet passengers did not receive their bags until midnight, with some giving up and heading home. On September 27 the airline offered no answers, leaving some travelers who landed at 11:30 p.m. waiting until 8 a.m. for their belongings. By September 29 Thai Airways began to act but suspended cargo flights, worsening the situation. On September 30 the minister visited the airport.
Sokhathi said ground staff were few, passengers were in tears, and executives were absent from the scene. The minister later announced that about 10,000 bags were delayed and would be sent out gradually, while 40 to 50 flights had been cancelled, further damaging the country’s image. He accused Thai Airways management of abandoning frontline employees and failing to manage the crisis.
He also pointed out that the Transport Ministry’s board includes a representative from the Ministry of Finance, questioning whether the government is indifferent to the damage to national prestige. Furthermore, he alleged that Thai Airways had prioritized serving other airlines to avoid penalties, leaving its own passengers stranded, and demanded a clear explanation and adequate compensation.
