Minister blasts Thai Airways over stranded baggage crisis

Bangkok, September 29, 2026 - Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul has harshly criticized Thai Airways over an extensive baggage backlog at Suvarnabhumi Airport, stating the issue is tarnishing Thailand's reputation and tourism sector. The minister toured the airport alongside officials from Defense and Transport ministries, discovering serious baggage handling issues with Thai Airways.

Thai Airways manages baggage services for other airlines in its group, causing passengers to wait up to six hours for their luggage. Rainfall hampered some Thai Airways staff from arriving at work, leading baggage to accumulate at the airport. Over 100 military personnel have been assisting in moving the stranded baggage, with transportation to passengers' hotels or homes planned, although the minister noted that military personnel may lack airline staff expertise.

Thai Airways suggests a three to four-day delivery timeframe. The minister decried Thai Airways management for assigning staff to assist other airlines, claiming this contributed to the airport's disruption. Military personnel were not provided meals or accommodations by the airline and had to return to their units for food before returning to help.

The situation is particularly concerning as Thai Airways represents Thailand internationally, potentially impacting the country's image and tourism. Surasak called for Thai Airways management to take a more proactive stance, suggesting executives who cannot continue working should resign. He himself faced the issue after returning from the Asian Games and was unable to retrieve his luggage immediately.

Weather-related delays have decreased, attributed to technical problems with Thai Airways' operations. The minister's primary concern is the delivery of passengers' luggage and proposed a meeting between Finance Minister and Thai Airways board to discuss the baggage crisis impact. Even though Thai Airways is now a private company, with the Finance Ministry as its largest shareholder, Surasak suggested the airline could potentially revert under state ownership.