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Thailand's New Power Bank Rules for Air Travellers
Thailand's Civil Aviation Authority (CAAT) published updated regulations on 4 June 2026 covering how passengers can carry and use power banks on flights. The rules, which align with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines, set clear limits on battery capacity, how many you can bring, where they must be stored on the plane, and what you can and cannot do with them during a flight. If you're flying to or from Koh Lanta via Bangkok, Krabi, or any other Thai airport, it's worth knowing these rules before you pack.
Why the Rules Changed
Several incidents pushed Thai aviation authorities to act. In January 2024, a power bank caught fire aboard a Thai AirAsia flight. A fire on an Air Busan plane in South Korea in January 2025 was also suspected to involve a power bank. Then in July 2025, a Bangkok Airways flight on the Samui to Hong Kong route was diverted to Bangkok after a power bank fire broke out mid-flight.
CAAT described lithium batteries as a "significant threat to the safety of passengers, crews and overall air transport operations." The CAAT Director-General, ACM Manat Chavanaprayoon, was clear that the goal is safety rather than inconvenience: "The regulations are not aimed at restricting passengers but at ensuring safety in line with the guidelines of the International Civil Aviation Organization and many other countries to maximise air transport safety in Thailand."
Capacity Limits
- Power banks up to 100 Wh or 20,000 mAh are permitted without any special approval
- Power banks between 101 and 160 Wh require prior approval from your airline before you fly
- Power banks with no visible or unclear capacity rating are prohibited entirely and will be confiscated or result in denied boarding
- Each passenger may carry a maximum of 2 lithium batteries in total
If you're unsure about your power bank's capacity, check the label before heading to the airport. Most standard travel power banks fall within the permitted range, but unlabelled or older devices without clear markings will be a problem.
Where to Store Your Power Bank
Power banks must travel in carry-on luggage only. Placing one in your checked baggage is now prohibited.
Once on board, power banks cannot go in the overhead compartment. They need to stay somewhere accessible, such as a seat pocket, the space under your seat, or your personal pockets. This allows cabin crew to respond quickly if a device overheats or shows signs of smoke.
Power banks should also be protected against short circuits. Keeping them in their original packaging, a protective pouch, or somewhere they won't come into contact with metal objects or other batteries is the right approach.
No Charging During the Flight
Using your power bank to charge devices during a flight is now explicitly banned. You also cannot charge the power bank itself while on board. This applies for the entire duration of the flight.
What This Means When Flying from Koh Lanta
Travellers leaving Koh Lanta typically fly out via Krabi Airport. These rules apply to all flights operating within Thailand, so they are relevant whether you're on a domestic connection or heading to an international hub. Thai Airways International is already enforcing the regulations, and other airlines operating in Thailand are expected to follow.
A quick pre-travel checklist:
- Pack your power bank in your carry-on, not your checked bag
- Make sure the capacity label is clearly visible
- Bring no more than 2 lithium batteries total
- Keep it in a protective case or pouch
- Don't plan on charging your phone via power bank during the flight
Information sourced from Bangkok Post.