New Thai law: Passengers demand high compensation for delays!

New Thai law: Passengers demand high compensation for delays!

Since May 20, 2023, new regulations of the civil aviation authority have apply in Thailand to increase the protection of passengers in the event of delays and cancellations. These regulations in particular concern international flights and obliges airlines, adequate compensation and support for affected passengers. According to vietnam.vn , airlines have to offer free dishes, drinks and communication services when delays more than two hours.

In the case of longer delays, the compensation depends on the waiting time: from more than five hours, passengers are entitled to 1,500 baht (approx. 1.2 million and more), while with more than ten hours the compensation varies between 2,000 and 4,500 baht (1.6 to 3.6 million and), depending on the flight distance. This means a significant increase in compensation services compared to previous regulations. In the case of cancellations that are announced less than seven days before departure, the regulation also applies to delays of more than ten hours.

obligations of the airlines

Airlines are exempt from paying these compensation if they are able to offer an alternative flight within three hours or if there is force majeure. In the case of domestic flights, an increase in compensation to 1,500 baht also applied, which improved the protection of passengers as a whole.

In addition, passengers must have access to ventilated cabins, a pleasant temperature, toilets and medical emergency care during longer delays. In the EU, the regulations by Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004 have been established, which has been in force since 2005. These regulations determine similarly high standards that also apply to flights from third countries. EUR-Lex.eu emphasizes that the regulation is an essential measure and compensation and compensation and compensation Support services for non -transportation, cancellations or large delays regulate.

European regulations in comparison

In the EU, compensation for flights up to EUR 1,500 km is EUR 250, for intra -Community flights over 1,500 km EUR 400 and for all longer flights up to EUR 600. These compensation should ensure that passengers are treated fairly, regardless of the airline or the flight type. Airlines are obliged to inform their passengers about their rights and have to offer alternatives in the event of cancellations.

Despite these regulations, many passengers in Vietnam are often uninformed about their rights in the event of delays or cancellations. Compensation is relatively low in Vietnam compared to other Asian countries; They are between 200,000 and 400,000 VND for domestic flights and between $ 25 and 150 for international flights. The process for applying for a refund can take up to 14 days.