CAAT Prepares for Enforcement of New Passenger Rights Regulations

Bangkok: The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) is gearing up to implement the Civil Aviation Board Regulation No. 101, aimed at protecting passenger rights on both domestic and international flights, starting May 20. The initiative was discussed in a meeting chaired by Mr. Saran Benjanirat, the CAAT Deputy Director of Aviation Economic Development. According to Thai News Agency, the meeting included representatives from various Thai and international airlines who gathered to understand the NBTC Regulation No. 101. The regulation outlines several measures to ensure the protection of passenger rights, and the session aimed to prepare all stakeholders for effective compliance. The NBTC Regulation No. 101 mandates airlines to provide care and compensation for flight delays, cancellations, and denied boarding on international routes. In cases of tarmac delays, airlines are required to offer basic services and the option for passengers to disembark. Overbooking situations necessitate compensation for af fected passengers, while clear travel information must be disclosed at the time of ticket purchase. The regulation also prohibits automatic add-ons without passenger consent and requires proper handling of service class downgrades. The enforcement of CAAT Regulation No. 101 is expected to enhance passenger rights protection standards, with penalties for non-compliant airlines. CAAT plans to conduct rigorous inspections and evaluations to ensure adherence to these regulations, safeguarding passenger rights effectively.