The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has introduced new rules for passengers carrying power banks on flights, setting capacity limits and banning the devices from checked luggage.
The regulations are broadly in line with International Civil Aviation Organization guidelines and are already being enforced by several airlines worldwide, including Thai Airways International.
The move follows a fire on an Air Busan aircraft before takeoff in South Korea in January 2025, after initial investigations suggested a power bank may have been the cause.
In Thailand, a Bangkok Airways flight from Samui to Hong Kong was forced to divert to Bangkok in July 2025 after a power bank caught fire on board. A similar incident was also reported on a Thai AirAsia flight in January 2024.
Cabin crew managed to bring both fires under control quickly, but the incidents highlighted the need for stricter safety measures.
“This reflects that lithium batteries significantly threaten the safety of passengers, crews and overall air transport operations,” the CAAT said.
Under the new rules, power banks must be carried in hand luggage only and are not allowed in checked baggage.
Power banks brought on board must not exceed 100 watt-hours, or 20,000 milliampere-hours. Devices with capacities between 101 and 160 watt-hours require approval from the airline before they can be taken onto an aircraft.
Power banks with unclear labels or no visible capacity rating will not be allowed on board, the authority said.
Each passenger is limited to carrying no more than two lithium batteries.
The CAAT has also banned passengers from charging power banks or using them to charge mobile phones or other electronic devices during flights.
Travellers are not allowed to place power banks in overhead compartments. Instead, the devices must be kept within easy reach, such as in seat pockets, under the seat in front of them, or in passengers’ pockets, so cabin crew can respond quickly in the event of overheating, smoke or fire.
Passengers must also take steps to prevent short circuits, such as keeping power banks in their original packaging or protective pouches to avoid contact with metal objects or other batteries during flights.
CAAT director-general ACM Manat Chavanaprayoon said many passengers carried lithium batteries and power banks, but the devices could overheat, emit smoke or catch fire if damaged, knocked or used improperly.
“The regulations are not aimed at restricting passengers but at ensuring safety in line with the guidelines of the International Civil Aviation Organization and many other countries to maximise air transport safety in Thailand,” he said.
