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Thai Airways International (THAI) has opened a compensation process for passengers hit by the heavy rain and flooding around Bangkok between 26 and 30 September 2026. The THAI board approved it on Saturday 17 October, and it covers flight delays, flight cancellations and delayed baggage. Claims are assessed case by case, with no fixed amounts or caps stated. You can claim online through THAI's "Request Flight Disruption" website or in person at the Customer Care Centre at THAI's head office in Bangkok.
What happened
Rain began flooding Bangkok and surrounding areas on the night of 25 September, and severe flooding followed over the next few days. About 200 THAI employees couldn't get to work because of the water. Hundreds of military personnel were brought in to help, but a shortage of staff trained in baggage handling kept causing problems anyway.
At the peak, 25,000 bags were stranded at Suvarnabhumi Airport, and more than 200 flights were cancelled. Commentators said the crisis seriously damaged the international image of both the airline and Thailand. The THAI board also suspended CEO Chai Eamsiri, citing delayed activation of emergency procedures and failure to promptly mobilise reserve personnel.
What the compensation covers
The board approved compensation for three categories:
- Flight delays
- Flight cancellations
- Delayed baggage
The disruption window is 26 to 30 September 2026. Each claim is assessed case by case, based on the specific circumstances and the actual damages, in line with applicable laws and regulations. No fixed amounts or caps were announced, and the article mentions no claim deadline.
THAI's announcement says: "For passengers submitting compensation claims, THAI will expedite the review process and contact them as soon as possible to communicate the outcome of their claims."
How to claim
Online: Use THAI's "Request Flight Disruption" website. It also handles requests for supporting documents for insurance claims. The article doesn't give the web address, so look for the site through THAI's official channels.
In person: Go to the Customer Care Centre on the 1st floor of Building 3 at THAI's head office on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, Bangkok. It is open daily, including weekends and public holidays, from 8:30am to 4pm. Staff there can guide you through the claims process.
Tips for travellers
- If you were delayed, had a flight cancelled or were separated from your baggage on a THAI flight between 26 and 30 September, you can now claim.
- Start online. Keep your boarding passes, baggage tags and receipts for extra costs such as hotels, transport and replacement items, since payouts depend on actual, documented damages.
- The same website provides documents for travel insurance claims, so you can claim with both THAI and your insurer.
- Nothing is guaranteed. Outcomes are case by case.
- Visiting in person only makes sense if you're in Bangkok, since the centre is at the head office.
- If you fly THAI to or from Bangkok in future flood seasons, be aware that the airline's recovery this time showed weaknesses in staffing.
Information sourced from Bangkok Post.