BKK Update: Thai Airways Misses Sunday Target, 562 Bags Still Waiting

BANGKOK, October 5, 2026 — Update to our October 1 to 4 coverage. Thai Airways missed its Sunday target for clearing the baggage backlog at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). A Transport Ministry report on Monday, October 5, showed 562 bags still waiting, down from 1,092 on Saturday night. The airline’s flights are back to a full schedule.

What changed since yesterday

• Bags still waiting: 562. Of these, 150 are outbound or transfer bags and 412 are inbound bags not yet returned to their owners.
• Target missed: the airline had said the backlog would be gone on Sunday, October 4. A new date for clearing the last bags: TBA.
• Flights: all 122 inbound and 123 outbound Thai Airways flights operated as scheduled, The Nation reports.
• Cargo: the cargo backlog is cleared.
• Staffing: 1,348 ground staff reported for work against a target of 1,278.
• Investigation: a committee led by Pol Gen Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, a deputy national police chief and Thai Airways director, will examine the baggage delays, the cancellations and the use of outsourced ground staff. It has 30 days from its formal appointment. Appointment date: TBA.
• Chief executive: Chai Eamsiri remains suspended, not dismissed. Acting chief executive Sumrid Sumneing is in charge. That is The Nation’s spelling. Yesterday we used Samrit Samniang, from another outlet.

Compensation for delayed bags

Thai Examiner sets out the airline’s published policy. We have not seen a Thai Airways notice specific to this backlog, so confirm with the airline before you claim.

• Delivery: the airline delivers outstanding bags at its own cost.
• Expenses: up to US$100 per delayed bag on international flights and US$25 on domestic flights.
• Paperwork: a Property Irregularity Report and receipts.
• Deadline: claims normally have to be filed within 21 days of the bag being delivered.

Storms forecast through October 7

Thailand’s Transport Ministry has told the air traffic control agency Aerothai to prepare for storms across the country from October 4 to 7, including holding and diversions. Passengers are advised to arrive two to three hours early for domestic flights and three to four hours early for international flights. No airport closures have been reported.

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What it means for non-revs

• Standby on Thai Airways is back to normal conditions. With a full schedule flying, the pool of displaced passengers has largely cleared. Check loads as usual.
• Still carry on if you can. The backlog is small now, but it is not gone and there is no new end date.
• Waiting for a bag? Make sure you have filed a Property Irregularity Report and keep receipts for anything you had to buy. Note the 21-day claim window.
• Allow for weather through Wednesday, October 7. Storm delays and diversions are possible at any Thai airport. Leave longer connections and follow the early-arrival advice.
• Flew between September 26 and October 11? The airline’s flood relief options, noted in yesterday’s story, still apply. Check your own airline’s pass rules on whether non-rev tickets qualify.

Sources

• The Nation — Thai Airways service almost fully restored with all flights operating
• The Nation — Pol Gen Thatchai set to lead Thai Airways probe into baggage crisis
• Thai Examiner — Thai Airways defeats flood crisis but finds itself in a brewing crisis of confidence over its management
• The Nation — Transport Ministry orders flight safeguards for Oct 4–7 storms