Bangkok: The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has issued stricter regulations regarding power banks on board: a maximum of two per flight is allowed, and charging during the flight is prohibited.
According to Thai News Agency, the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, is prioritizing the safety of transportation and air travel for the public. The CAAT has issued "CAAT Regulation No. 122" to upgrade air transport safety standards in alignment with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines and globally recognized standards.
Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, stated that the regulation was necessary due to the increasing presence of lithium batteries and power banks carried by passengers, which pose safety risks. Incidents involving power banks have previously led to passenger evacuations, flight diversions, or emergency landings. The new regulations aim to mitigate such risks by allowing only carry-on transport of power banks, prohibiting their check-in, and limiting the electrical energy content to a maximum of 100 watt-hours (Wh). If the capacity exceeds 100 Wh but is below 160 Wh, prior permission from the airline is necessary.
The regulations also forbid the charging of power banks during flights and require that they be stored in easily accessible locations, such as seat pockets or the space under the seat in front, to allow quick access by crew members in case of malfunction. Additionally, power banks without visible battery levels or those that cannot be checked are banned from aircraft. Passengers must prevent short circuits by storing power banks in original packaging or protective bags.
The government emphasizes that these measures are meant to enhance safety standards without imposing undue burdens on passengers, aligning Thailand's aviation safety with international guidelines. Passengers are urged to verify and comply with CAAT and airline regulations to ensure the safety of all on board and boost confidence in Thailand's aviation safety on a global scale.