Thailand Flight Delay Law 2025: New Passenger Rights Travellers Need to Know

Flight delays and last-minute cancellations are the stuff of travel nightmares, especially when you’re already at the airport. But if you’re flying to Thailand anytime soon, there’s good news.

As of 20 May 2025, Thailand has introduced new regulations to better protect passengers when flights are delayed, cancelled, or overbooked — and yes, that includes tourists flying in from Singapore. Whether you’re heading to Bangkok for the weekend or jetting off to Krabi, here’s what the new rules mean for your next trip.

Also read: Thailand Digital Arrival Card: What Travellers Need to Know

Why this matters

Here’s where things used to get murky. If your flight got cancelled last-minute, you might be offered a new seat… or nothing at all. Under the new rules, if your international flight is cancelled without seven days’ notice, or you’re denied boarding, you’re now entitled to the same compensation as a 10-hour delay — unless the airline offers a suitable alternative flight within three hours of the original departure, or if it was truly unavoidable (think: volcanic eruption levels of unavoidable).

So if your beach week in Krabi gets pushed back, you can push right back and get some of your money (or miles) too.

Also read: Singapore to Krabi Travel Guide

Here’s what you’re now entitled to

Let’s say your flight from Singapore to Phuket is delayed. Not ideal, especially if you’re already at the airport with a beach outfit under your hoodie. Under the new laws, a delay of over two hours means airlines must provide complimentary food and beverages (appropriate to the time of day) and offer free communication access like phone calls or email.  You’ll at least be able to vent to your group chat.

But if the delay drags past five hours, the compensation becomes more tangible. You’re now entitled to 1,500 baht (~S$55) in compensation in cash or other formats like credit shells or travel vouchers. Plus, if you’re stuck overnight, the airline has to provide free accommodation and transport, along with the option to cancel your trip entirely for a full refund or equivalent voucher.

And if your delay hits the 10-hour mark? The stakes go up. On top of meals, accommodation, and the option to cancel, you’ll receive compensation scaled to the distance of your flight:

• 2,000 baht (~S$78) for short-haul flights like Singapore–Phuket (under 1,500km)

• 3,500 baht (~S$138) for medium distances (1,500–3,500km)

• 4,500 baht (~S$177) for long-haul flights (over 3,500km)

No more shrugging when delays hit because you’re officially owed something now.

Also read: How to Travel Thailand in 2025: Underrated Experiences Beyond Bangkok

Coverage for domestic flights

For those of us who like to squeeze in a domestic leg  (like Bangkok to Chiang Rai, or Phuket to Koh Samui) the new rules also increase compensation for domestic disruptions.

Previously, a five-hour delay only netted 600 baht (~S$24) in compensation. That’s now doubled to 1,200 baht (~S$47). Cancellations now guarantee 1,500 baht (~S$59), up from 1,200 (S$47.28).

In both cases, airlines can still offer alternative forms like vouchers or miles but they must match or exceed the cash value.

Also read: Bali vs Phuket: Which Popular Southeast Asian Island Should You See First?

Tighter regulations

Tarmac delays (meaning when your plane is grounded but you’re not allowed to disembark) are now more strictly regulated. Airlines must provide adequate ventilation, toilets, and urgent medical care if needed.

More importantly, if the delay exceeds three hours without a confirmed take-off time, they’re required to let passengers disembark unless doing so would compromise safety. It’s a small change that could make a huge difference when you’re three hours deep in a budget airline seat with no AC.

Travelling to Thailand just got a bit less stressful

While no one wants to deal with flight hiccups, these new protections mean that if something goes wrong  you’re no longer left to fend for yourself. For Singaporeans heading across the skies to our favourite holiday neighbour, it’s reassuring to know someone’s got your back (and your refund).

So the next time you book that quick escape to Thailand, go ahead and save the spa address, the street food spots… and now, maybe a copy of your passenger rights too.