Thailand Tightens Rules on Power Banks for Air Passengers

Thailand's aviation authority has introduced new regulations governing the carriage of power banks on flights, aiming to enhance safety and mitigate fire risks. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) announced that power banks are now strictly prohibited in checked baggage and must be placed in carry-on luggage only.

The new rules set a capacity limit of 100 watt-hours (Wh), equivalent to approximately 20,000mAh, for power banks allowed on board. For devices with capacities between 101Wh and 160Wh (32,000mAh), passengers require prior approval from the airline. Devices with unclear or missing capacity labels will not be permitted. Furthermore, each passenger is limited to carrying a maximum of two lithium batteries.

Passengers are also forbidden from charging or using their power banks during the flight. Instead of being stored in overhead compartments, power banks must be kept in easily accessible locations, such as seat-back pockets, under seats, or in clothing pockets. This requirement allows cabin crew to quickly respond if a device shows signs of overheating, smoke, or fire.

CAAT also advises passengers to take precautions against short circuits by keeping power banks in their original packaging or protective cases and avoiding contact with metal objects or other batteries during the flight. These enhanced controls follow recent incidents, including a Bangkok Airways flight in July 2025 where a power bank caught fire, forcing a diversion, and a similar event on a Thai AirAsia flight in January 2024. These incidents underscore the need for stricter oversight of lithium battery-powered devices.

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Many passengers often carry lithium batteries and power banks when flying, but these devices can overheat, emit smoke, or cause fires if damaged, impacted, or used improperly.