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Flight Delayed in Thailand? What You’re Entitled To (2026)

Flight Delayed in Thailand? What You’re Entitled To (2026)

If your domestic flight in Thailand is delayed, Thai rules give you food and drinks after 2 hours, the choice of a refund after 3 hours, and THB 1,200 in cash after 5 hours. On international flights the cash amount after 5 hours is THB 1,500, with more for very long delays. These rules come from Civil Aviation Board Regulation No. 101, in force since 20 May 2025. They do not apply when the delay is caused by something outside the airline’s control, such as bad weather.

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What you get when your flight in Thailand is delayed

Thailand’s Civil Aviation Board updated its passenger rights rules with Regulation No. 101, in force since 20 May 2025. The Ministry of Transport restated the rules on 4 October 2026 after delays at Thai Airways. What the airline owes you grows with the length of the delay:

Delay Domestic flight International flight
2 hours or more Food and drinks Not specified in the reports*
3 hours or more Choice of a refund Not specified in the reports*
More than 5 hours THB 1,200 in cash THB 1,500 in cash, plus accommodation if you have to stay overnight
Very long delays – THB 2,000 to 4,500, depending on the distance of the flight

* The reports on the Ministry’s statement only give the cash amounts for international flights. Ask the airline what care and refund options apply to your international flight.

The amounts for very long international delays are reported differently: Thai news reports on the Ministry’s statement mention delays of more than 11 hours, while other summaries use 10 hours and different distance bands. Ask the airline or the CAAT for the exact amount for your route.

The airline may offer a credit shell, travel voucher or miles instead of cash, but according to Thai reporting on Regulation No. 101 the choice is yours.

Cancelled flights

If your domestic flight is cancelled, the compensation went up from THB 1,200 to THB 1,500 under the new regulation, on top of a new flight or a refund. Nation Thailand also reports THB 1,500 for being denied boarding.

When you get nothing

The cash compensation does not apply when the delay or cancellation is caused by circumstances outside the airline’s control, such as bad weather. You still have the right to food and drinks while you wait. Keep your boarding pass and booking confirmation: you need them for any claim.

Flights from Europe to Thailand

European rule EU261 (UK261 in the United Kingdom) can give up to €600 per passenger when you arrive 3 or more hours late. It applies to every flight departing from the EU or UK, and to flights into the EU on a European airline. A flight from Bangkok to Amsterdam on KLM is covered; the same route on Thai Airways is not, but the return from Amsterdam is.

How to claim, step by step

  1. At the airport: ask the airline desk for the food and drinks (from 2 hours) and, if you have to stay overnight, the accommodation. Note the time you actually arrive.
  2. Keep your proof: boarding pass, booking confirmation, a photo of the departure board and receipts.
  3. Ask the airline for the cash compensation or refund in writing, using its refund or feedback form. Tickets bought through an agent are refunded through the agent.
  4. No answer? File a complaint with the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT).

When a claim service helps

For the Thai cash amounts you can claim yourself. A claim service such as AirHelp is mainly useful for European cash compensation: if your flight departed from the EU or UK, or you are not sure which rules apply, their free flight check tells you whether you can claim. They only charge a fee if your claim succeeds.

Flew Batik Air? See Batik Air delay compensation for the Indonesian and Malaysian rules.

Check your flight for free with AirHelp

FAQ

How much compensation do I get for a delayed flight in Thailand?

For a delay of more than 5 hours: THB 1,200 on a domestic flight and THB 1,500 on an international flight. For very long international delays, THB 2,000 to 4,500 depending on distance. Not when the cause is outside the airline’s control.

When do I get food and drinks?

On domestic flights from a delay of 2 hours. For international flights, ask the airline.

Can I get a refund instead?

On domestic flights, yes: from a delay of 3 hours you can choose a refund instead of flying.

Since when do these rules apply?

Civil Aviation Board Regulation No. 101 is in force since 20 May 2025. The Ministry of Transport restated it on 4 October 2026.

Does the €600 European compensation apply in Thailand?

Only for flights departing from the EU or UK, or flying into the EU on a European airline.

Sources (checked 14 October 2026)