Suvarnabhumi denies staff searched passenger’s bag after complaint

BANGKOK — 21 October 2026, Suvarnabhumi Airport has denied that its staff opened a passenger’s luggage after a traveller complained that their bag had been rummaged through, raising concerns over new rules allowing checked baggage to be searched without its owner present.

In a statement the airport said it reviewed baggage screening records, operational logs and relevant CCTV footage after a complaint was posted on the Facebook page “Benz pa pai Journey” on 19 October.

The passenger had travelled on Hainan Airlines flight HU424 from Suvarnabhumi to Chongqing on 19 October. According to the airport, the baggage screening system detected no prohibited or dangerous items requiring additional inspection. The bag was then transported automatically to the baggage make-up area under normal procedures.

The airport said its review found no evidence that its own staff had opened the bag. It advised the passenger to contact the airline, which could coordinate further checks with the ground-handling service provider. The passenger may also file a police report to support the investigation.

New rules allow baggage searches without passengers present

The complaint came after new regulations governing checked-baggage inspections, issued under the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand, took effect on 16 October 2026.

Under the rules, authorised personnel may open checked baggage without the passenger or owner present, provided the inspection follows specified aviation security procedures. The measure is intended to strengthen aviation security and is consistent with international practices, the airport said.

Suvarnabhumi stressed that additional inspections are carried out only when there are reasonable grounds for suspicion, rather than as a routine measure for every bag.

The airport also said inspections are subject to oversight. Images are recorded during the process to allow subsequent reviews, and a “Notice of Baggage Inspection” is placed inside a bag that has been opened so the passenger can be informed.

The airport urged travellers to check their luggage before departure, comply with restrictions on items carried in checked baggage, keep valuables and important documents in their carry-on bags where permitted, and use locks that comply with applicable requirements.

Suvarnabhumi said it prioritises aviation security while protecting passengers’ rights and property, adding that it would cooperate with relevant agencies to ensure complaints are investigated transparently and fairly.