Bangkok, 11 August 2026 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) advises passengers departing from airports in Thailand with checked baggage on or after 16 October 2026 to check the latest information from their airline, departure airport and the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), especially rules regarding prohibited items and checked baggage requirements.

CAAT has announced revised procedures aimed at strengthening aviation security and improving the efficiency of checked baggage screening. They apply to baggage checked for carriage in the aircraft hold, while current procedures will remain in effect until changes are introduced.

Under the revised procedures, checked baggage may be opened for inspection without the owner being present if screening officers identify items considered suspicious, prohibited or potentially harmful to aviation safety. CAAT has emphasised that checked bags will not be routinely opened.

When an inspection is required, the bag will be opened in a designated area under controlled conditions. The inspection process will be video recorded, with records retained for review, and passengers will be notified afterwards if their bag was opened and inspected.

CAAT notes that similar procedures are used in many countries, including Singapore, Japan, South Korea and the United States, as well as in parts of the Middle East and Europe. They allow security personnel to resolve screening concerns without having to locate the passenger to unlock luggage, helping to minimise potential delays while maintaining aviation security.

To support inspections when required, CAAT recommends using internationally recognised bag locks, such as a TSA-compatible lock. Passengers are also encouraged to check for prohibited and restricted items before travelling. CAAT further advises against placing valuables, fragile items, important documents or essential personal belongings in checked baggage.

Travellers with international connections or onward journeys should also check baggage and security requirements at transit and destination airports, as regulations may vary between countries.

Passengers who experience an issue or damage arising from inspections may contact their airline or submit a complaint to CAAT through complaint.caat.or.th.

TAT will provide further updates should CAAT issue additional operational guidance before the revised procedures take effect.

The Department of Disease Control has fined Chalerm Riawreng, a former MP and suspect in the case of a deceased Nonthaburi provincial administrator, for smoking in a government office on August 11, 2569. The incident occurred at Rattanadhivet Police Station, where Chalerm was fined up to 5,000 baht, and the station commander was fined up to 3,000 baht as the venue owner for permitting smoking in a designated no-smoking area. Dr. Prakrit Wathisathikij, chairman of the Anti-Smoking Foundation, emphasized that although smoking is often considered a personal right under human rights principles, it is prohibited in government facilities by Thai law. He expressed hope that this enforcement action will educate public venue owners about their legal obligation to prevent smoking and face penalties if they allow it after being warned.

Police have increased security at Montfort College in Chiang Mai following threatening messages posted online. On August 11, officers from Mae Ping Police Station deployed uniformed and plainclothes personnel, along with undercover units stationed inside the campus, to provide close security. The threat came after someone using Line sent a message threatening to shoot students at the school on the previous day.

The incident caused disruption at the school, with some students absent and parents arriving to pick up their children. Police are investigating the source of the threatening post, while the school has activated safety measures and coordinated closely with law enforcement. The Chiang Mai Provincial Education Office is developing a comprehensive safety directive in consultation with relevant agencies to be presented to the provincial governor on August 18.

The situation at Montfort College is currently stable. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and provide ongoing security, with regular updates to be issued as the investigation progresses.

On August 11, the Department of Juvenile Observation and Protection deployed a Mental Health Care Team of eight psychologists, together with the Mental Health Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team (MCATT) from the Department of Mental Health, to Thepsirin School in Nonthaburi. The teams conducted mental health risk assessments, provided psychological first aid, initial counseling, and coordinated referrals to relevant agencies for ongoing treatment and support for children, youth, and staff affected by the armed incident that caused fatalities and injuries. Senior officials convened meetings with the Department of Mental Health director and education ministry advisors to integrate care for students, parents, and teachers. The Mental Health Care Team represents the department's commitment to protecting, supporting, and rehabilitating mental health for those affected by violent incidents and crises, working with both internal and external networks. The department also operates a warm family child and family counseling clinic that assesses behavioral and emotional issues in children and youth to prevent and identify warning signs of potential violence. Support services are available through the department's main office in Bangkok, 77 provincial observation centers, and 20 training centers nationwide.

A spiritual teaching states, "If the mind suffers, one must use the Dharma to resolve that suffering," according to Luang Pho Cha Suphattho of Wat Nong Pa Phong in Ubon Ratchathani. Luang Pu Hung Prakun Thamma, the late abbot of Wat Thung Nong Waeng Song Khon in Maha Sarakham Province, created several amulet designs, but the most sought-after is a water-droplet-shaped medallion cast in 1993 to raise funds for temple construction.

The amulet is water-droplet-shaped with a loop handle, made of dark-patina copper, with production limited to no more than 3,000 pieces. The front features a half-length image of the monk facing forward, with "Profit, Result, Flourishing" inscribed along the upper rim and "Luang Pu Hung Prakun Thamma" below the image. The reverse displays the temple location "Paeng Subdistrict, Kosumphisai District, Maha Sarakham Province" along the upper curve and "Wat Thung Nong Waeng Song Khon, B.E. 2536" along the lower curve, with the Buddhist invocation "Namo Buddhaya" in the center, making it a highly valued sacred object.

Another notable amulet from 2003 belongs to Luang Pu Na Thitibanyo, former abbot of Wat Pathumtharam in Chai Nat Province. This egg-shaped medallion was cast to celebrate his 88th birthday and is called the "Wealth and Prosperity" series. It features a raised half-length image within a two-tiered rim, with Thai script identifying the monk and his age, and Khmer script surrounding a betel leaf image on the reverse. This amulet is now quite rare.

Luang Pho Moi Phuttharakkhito, the late abbot of Wat Don Rai in Suphan Buri, created a highly popular amulet series in 2552 (2009) for his death anniversary. The oval-shaped medal was cast in 20,000 pieces using dark-patina copper, featuring the monk in meditation posture on the front and a triple-linked yantra on the reverse, with Khmer script and commemorative Thai inscriptions. Despite being relatively new, this amulet has gained considerable popularity.

Luang Pho Somchai Thitiviriya, a respected teacher of Vipassana meditation and former sangha leader at Wat Khao Sukhim in Chanthaburi, produced several popular amulet series. The most sought-after is the "Tiger-Ox" series from July 15, 1978, symbolizing his birth year (Tiger) and the year of casting (Ox). The circular medal features his half-length image, the temple name, and a crouching tiger and ox facing each other on the reverse, with the word "Compassion" and the casting date below. This amulet remains highly collected.