Tourism Minister Criticizes Thai Airways Over Baggage Delays
Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul has publicly rebuked Thai Airways following significant luggage handling issues at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
On September 29, 2026, Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports, Surasak Phancharoenworakul, issued a sharp critique of Thai Airways regarding a severe backlog of stranded baggage at Suvarnabhumi Airport. According to Khaosod English, the Minister conducted an inspection of the facility alongside representatives from the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Transport to investigate the ongoing operational failures.
Minister Surasak expressed deep concern that the persistent luggage handling delays are negatively impacting Thailand’s international reputation and the broader tourism sector. The backlog has caused significant frustration for travelers arriving in Bangkok, as the efficiency of ground services has failed to meet expected standards.
For residents and international visitors, this situation highlights potential risks of travel disruption when flying through the country's primary aviation hub. While the Minister has identified the issue as a critical concern for the tourism industry, it remains to be confirmed what specific corrective measures Thai Airways will implement to resolve the backlog and prevent future occurrences. Travelers are advised to monitor their airline’s updates closely and prepare for potential delays in baggage retrieval until the situation is fully addressed by airport authorities and the national carrier.
