Latest news with #CAAT
The Star
20-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
New flight delay and cancellation law takes effect in Thailand
BANGKOK: Thailand's new regulations protecting passengers' rights in cases of flight delays or cancellations came into effect on Tuesday (May 20). The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has announced new passenger protection regulations under Civil Aviation Board Notification No 101, which are designed to enhance the rights of passengers on both domestic and international scheduled flights. Under the new regulations, airlines must provide support and compensation for international flight delays or cancellations without prior notice, especially when passengers have already arrived at the airport. For delays over two hours >Airlines must offer complimentary food and beverages or coupons appropriate to the time of day and length of the delay. >Airlines must provide free communication tools, such as access to phone calls or email. For delays over five hours In addition to the above, airlines must: >Compensate passengers with 1,500 baht in cash, or an equivalent in credit shells, travel vouchers, frequent flyer miles, or other forms of equal value, within 14 days of the incident. >Provide accommodation and transfers if an overnight stay is required. >Offer passengers the option to cancel their journey and receive a full refund, or alternative forms of compensation such as travel credit or vouchers. For delays over 10 hours >Airlines are required to provide the same support as for delays exceeding two and five hours, including complimentary meals and beverages, communication facilities, accommodation and transfers (if necessary), as well as the option to cancel the journey and receive a full refund or alternative compensation. However, cash compensation or compensation in alternative forms, to be paid within 14 days from the date of the incident, will be increased based on flight distance as follows: >2,000 baht for flights not exceeding 1,500km >3,500 baht for flights between 1,500 and 3,500km >4,500 baht for flights over 3,500km In case of international flight cancellations or denied boarding Passengers are entitled to the same level of compensation as for delays exceeding 10 hours, unless the airline notifies passengers at least seven days in advance, or gives notice within seven days but offers an alternative flight departing within three hours of the original time, or if the cancellation is due to unforeseeable and unavoidable circumstances despite the airline having taken appropriate measures. Updated compensation for domestic flights For domestic flight issues, compensation has also increased: >Delays over five hours: from 600 baht to 1,200 baht >Cancellations: from 1,200 baht to 1,500 baht Airlines may also offer credit shells, travel vouchers, or mileage points instead of cash, provided they are of equal or greater value. These do not apply in force majeure or unavoidable situations. Tarmac delay protections For delays where passengers are kept on the aircraft while it's still on the ground (tarmac delays), airlines must: >Provide adequate ventilation, temperature control, access to lavatories and urgent medical care if needed. >Allow passengers to disembark if the delay exceeds three hours without a confirmed take-off time, unless doing so poses a safety or air traffic control risk. The CAAT emphasises that Notification No 101 marks a significant step in raising passenger protection standards in Thailand's aviation industry. The authority will work closely with airlines and the public to ensure awareness and compliance for the benefit of all travellers. - The Nation/ANN
The National
15-05-2025
- Politics
- The National
Labour see 'massive increase' in UK military equipment sent to Israel
Analysis of strategic export control licensing statistics published on Thursday showed that £127.6 million of military equipment was sent to Israel between October and December 2024. CAAT added: 'This is a massive increase, with the figure in this three-month period totalling more than 2020-2023 combined.' Figures from the UK Government and CAAT show that in 2020, £31m worth of military equipment was sent to Israel, £24m was in 2021, £42m in 2022, and £18m in 2023. This totals around £115m. READ MORE: David Lammy denies misleading parliament over Israeli arms exports The UK Government figures further show that 21 non-military export licences for good worth £8.5m were also granted to Israel between October and December 2024. The majority of the licenses detailed in the new figures relate to military radars, components and software, and targeting equipment. The licences were granted after the Labour Government suspended around 30 of 350 licences to Israel amid concerns the equipment would be used to breach international law. The UK Government is this week in the High Court defending its decision not to include parts for F-35 fighter jets, which have been used by Israel in Gaza, in the suspended licences. The underside of an F-35 fighter jetAt the hearing, Labour's lawyers have argued that the evidence does not support findings that a genocide has taken or is taking place in Gaza – despite the UK Government publicly insisting that any determination of genocide is for the courts and not them. The UK Government is obliged to block export licences if there is a clear risk they will be used to breach international law. However, CAAT said: "The UK government is arguing [at the High Court] that 'the impact of suspending F-35 components on operations in Gaza is likely to be minimal' given the 'IDF is one of the most significant and well-equipped militaries in the world'. "Meanwhile, Defence Secretary John Healy claimed that suspending F-35 exports would cause a 'profound impact on international peace and security'. "However, the claims that the impact of the suspension would be 'minimal' is contradicted by the evidence. READ MORE: Top UN official accuses Israel of 'deliberate' aid blockade risking genocide "Israel is using its 39 F-35s at five times the normal rate which has led to a very high demand for spare parts. According to Freedom of Information requests obtained by CAAT, the open license for spare parts was used 14 times more in 2023 than in any other year." Emily Apple, CAAT's media coordinator, said: 'This is a truly shocking increase in military exports to Israel. This is the Labour government aiding and abetting Israel's genocide in Gaza. "It is sickening that instead of imposing a full two-way arms embargo, Keir Starmer's government has massively increased the amount of military equipment the UK is sending to Israel. 'The government's claim that stopping the export of F-35 components is a risk to peace and security is untenable, illegal and immoral. We are watching a genocide. We are seeing Palestinian children blown apart by bombs dropped by F-35s. "Everyday we see images of starving children, the victims of Israel's deliberate policy to deny aid into Gaza. These are war crimes. 'Our government is complicit in the death of every Palestinian child. Our government is complicit in genocide. This cannot be allowed to continue. "We hope the legal action is successful but these new figures show that we need to increase the pressure and take action to stop the UK's genocide profiteers." Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu (Image: Archive) Israel is credibly accused of committing genocide in Gaza, with the International Court of Justice saying Palestinians' right to be protected from the crime faces "plausible" risk. Israel has banned any food, shelter, medicine or other goods from entering Gaza for the past 10 weeks, even as it carries out waves of air strikes and ground operations. Israel shattered the ceasefire agreement in March and has since announced plans to take control of all of the Palestinian region which it illegally occupies. Outright famine is the mostly likely scenario in Gaza unless conditions change, according to findings by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, a leading international authority on the severity of hunger crises. Nearly a half million Palestinians are in 'catastrophic' levels of hunger, meaning they face possible starvation, the report said, while another million are at 'emergency' levels of hunger. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is wanted for arrest by the International Criminal Court over allegations of crimes against humanity, including the use of starvation as a weapon of war.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Yahoo
Flight delays in Thailand to mean better compensation under new law
In good news for air travellers heading to Thailand, flight delays and cancellations will soon mean financial compensation and compulsory food and drink while passengers are forced to wait in the terminal. The new regulations, announced by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), are set to come into effect on May 20, according to the newspaper Bangkok Post. They will apply to both domestic and international flights. Airlines that fail to inform passengers in advance of delays exceeding two hours will be required to provide food, drinks and a free way for passengers to communicate, such as telephone access or wi-fi. If a flight is delayed by more than 5 hours, airlines must additionally pay passengers at least 1,500 baht (around $45 or €40) in cash compensation or as a credit within 14 days. Accommodation and shuttle services are also to be provided if needed. The rule is simple: the longer the delay, the more compensation is due. In the event of a last-minute flight cancellation, airlines must also pay affected passengers financial compensation of 2,000 to 4,500 baht ($60-$135 or €50-€120). If a plane is stuck on the tarmac before take-off, the cabin must be well-ventilated and air-conditioned, and passengers must have access to the aircraft's toilets, according to the regulation. If such a delay exceeds three hours, passengers should be allowed to leave the aircraft, provided this does not compromise safety. Thailand's consumer protection laws echo some of those already in force for EU travellers, where laws on compensation in the event of delays and cancellations are already extensive. For flights from a non-EU country like Thailand to the EU, passengers can only invoke the EU rights, which are at times more beneficial to consumers, if the airline is based in the EU.
The Star
27-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
Thailand to launch delivery drone trials in Bangkok this year
- Photo: BANGKOK: The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) is moving forward with plans to promote the drone industry by integrating public and private sectors to initiate delivery drone trials within 2025. Air Chief Marshal Manat Chavanaprayoon, Director of CAAT, emphasised CAAT's role in regulating and promoting the proper and efficient use of drones. He highlighted the implementation of UAS Portal system, which streamlines drone operator and drone registrations through a fast online platform. The portal also provides comprehensive guidance for those interested in drone operations and will be equipped to manage drone airspace in the future, he added. Manat said that CAAT is collaborating with various sectors to develop a comprehensive 'Drone Master Plan' or a national roadmap for Thailand. - Photo: This plan covers key aspects including policy, legislation, personnel development, infrastructure readiness, safety, national security, and personal data protection. Starting this year, CAAT will begin certifying training centers and drone pilot training courses. These programs aim to produce skilled professionals with a solid understanding of aviation, legal regulations, and the safe use of drone technology. In addition, CAAT is pushing for the deployment of 'urban delivery drones' by 2025. The agency is working with National Telecom Public Company Limited (NT), Thailand Post, Aeronautical Radio of Thailand, related government agencies, and interested private companies to plan testing venues and methodology in Bangkok metropolitan area. The trials will pave way for CAAT to issue delivery drone licenses to qualified private operators in the future, said Manat. - The Nation/ANN
The Star
24-04-2025
- The Star
Thailand's new airport security rules for liquids, gels, and aerosols come into force
BANGKOK: Thailand has introduced new regulations governing how travellers can carry liquids, gels, and aerosols (LGAs) in their hand luggage at all public airports across the country. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) published these updated guidelines in the Royal Gazette on Tuesday (April 22), with immediate effect. These rules, officially titled "Announcement of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand Regarding the Rules for the Screening of Liquids, Gels, and Aerosols to be Carried on Board Aircraft or Brought into the Restricted Areas of Public Airports, B.E. 2568 (2025)," supersede previous regulations issued in 2019. The CAAT's directive, issued by its director, Air Chief Marshal Manat Chavanaprayoon, draws its authority from existing airport security protocols. It mandates that all LGAs being taken onto aircraft by passengers, crew, or airport staff must undergo thorough screening. The announcement clarifies the definition of "liquids, gels, and aerosols," encompassing a wide array of items from beverages and sauces to cosmetics, toiletries, and pressurized containers like sprays and foams. Even substances with both solid and liquid components, such as mascara and lip balm, fall under these regulations. Airport operators are now responsible for implementing these screening procedures for all LGAs destined for aircraft cabins or restricted airport zones. Under the new rules, individual containers of liquids, gels, and aerosols must not exceed 100 millilitres and must be held within a container of the same capacity, even if only partially full. Passengers are permitted to carry multiple items, provided the total volume does not exceed one litre per person. Airport authorities may also require passengers to consolidate these items into a single, transparent, re-sealable plastic bag, limited to one per person. This bag will be screened separately from other hand luggage and will not count towards an airline's carry-on baggage allowance. Airport operators are instructed to screen these LAGs separately at security checkpoints, unless advanced screening technology like X-ray scanners capable of detecting these items is in use. However, certain exemptions apply: Medication: Essential medicines accompanied by a doctor's note, prescription label, or accompanying documentation bearing the passenger's name are exempt. This also includes necessary baby food or milk, and medically required dietary items in quantities appropriate for the flight duration, subject to inspection at the security screening point. Crew and On-Duty Personnel: Crew members and other essential personnel are permitted to carry necessary personal-use LGAs in reasonable quantities for their operating hours, subject to security screening. Airport and Emergency Staff: Airport staff with authorisation to enter restricted areas, and emergency responders, may carry LGAs required for their duties, again subject to security screening. Duty-Free Purchases: LAGs bought at airport duty-free shops or on board aircraft are permitted, provided they are sealed in tamper-evident bags (STEBs) with proof of purchase from the day of travel and show no signs of being opened. Transfer and transit passengers will need to present these items for inspection at security checkpoints. Passengers are advised to check the regulations at their final destination and any transit airports before making duty-free purchases. Passengers carrying larger quantities of LGAs, either as part of their baggage or purchased before the security screening point, will be required to check these items in as hold luggage. The CAAT has also granted airport operators the discretion to implement stricter measures based on their security risk assessments. Finally, airports are mandated to clearly publicise these new rules to passengers, crew, airport staff, and authorised personnel throughout the passenger terminal, including check-in areas and security checkpoints, to ensure awareness before entering restricted zones. - The Nation/ANN
