PM Calls for Thai Airways Contract Review After Luggage Backlog
Deputy Prime Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn has ordered a review of Thai Airways’ ground services and cargo contracts at Suvarnabhumi Airport to introduce penalty clauses after a major luggage backlog in late September 2026. He said the contracts, which still have 15 years left, must be aligned with penalties already applied to other service providers. As of early October, about 80 bags remained unclaimed, and AOT is working to reunite them with passengers.
The Deputy Minister said the review will involve the Ministry of Transport, AOT, and Thai Airways, and will also inform the Ministry of Finance which oversees the airline. He stressed that penalties are needed because service errors damage the nation’s reputation and the airline’s finances. As of October 8, 2026, around 80 bags remained unclaimed at Suvarnabhumi, and AOT is tasked with coordinating their return to passengers. He clarified that any decision to replace Thai Airways’ CEO rests with the airline’s board and the Finance Ministry, not his office.
