Photo: 海风 张 / Pexels
Power banks are now the most common banned item found in checked baggage at Thai airports, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT). The authority reported this on 25 October 2026, following the start of new inspection rules. Under those rules, officers can open a checked bag without you there if X-ray screening raises suspicion. Here's what the rules say and how to pack for your flight.
Power banks keep turning up in checked bags
CAAT says power banks are the item most often found in checked luggage since the new inspection rules began. Screening also turned up other battery-powered electronic devices. These items can cause fires and short circuits in the hold, which is why they don't belong in checked bags.
Power banks must go in your hand luggage, within the capacity and quantity limits.
Power bank rules
CAAT introduced these regulations earlier in 2026:
- You may carry a maximum of 2 power banks.
- Devices above 100 Wh need airline approval, and only if they are 160 Wh or less.
- Using or charging a power bank during a flight is prohibited.
New baggage inspection rules
The new rules took effect on 16 October 2026. Authorised airport officers may open checked bags without the owner present, but only when X-ray screening gives reasonable grounds to suspect prohibited or dangerous items.
When that happens, officers must:
- move the flagged bag to a designated inspection area;
- record the search;
- leave a Notice of Baggage Inspection inside the bag.
CAAT says the rules do not allow routine opening of every passenger's bag.
What about the complaints?
CAAT reviewed 4 social media complaints about bags being opened. Only 1 involved an inspection under the new procedure. That was a domestic flight where officers detected a battery-powered device. The bag had no TSA-compatible lock, so officers cut the zip to search it. CAAT says an inspection notice was left inside. The article does not say what happened in the other 3 complaints.
CAAT's advice for travellers
- Check your airline's baggage restrictions before flying.
- Use suitable luggage locks.
- Keep valuables out of checked bags.
- Photograph the contents of your bag before closing it.
- Photograph the outside of your bags at check-in.
The photos can support claims for damaged, lost or delayed items. CAAT says the inspections are for aviation safety, and that the procedures can be reviewed if passengers raise concerns.
What this means for your trip
- Keep power banks and spare lithium batteries in your cabin bag, and stick to 2 power banks.
- If a power bank is over 100 Wh (up to 160 Wh), check with your airline first.
- Don't use or charge power banks during flights.
- Your checked bag can now be opened without you present if X-ray flags it. A notice inside the bag will tell you.
- A TSA-compatible lock helps avoid damage. Without one, officers may cut the zip.
- Photograph your packed bag and its exterior at check-in.
- Leave valuables, electronics and batteries out of checked luggage.
Information sourced from The Thaiger.