Air passengers in Thailand will face stricter rules when travelling with power banks following a series of battery-related fire incidents on commercial flights, Bangkok Post reports.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has announced new regulations aimed at reducing the risk posed by lithium batteries, which can overheat, produce smoke and in some cases catch fire.
Under the new rules, power banks must be carried in hand luggage and are no longer allowed in checked baggage.
Devices with a capacity of up to 100 watt-hours (Wh), roughly equivalent to 20,000 mAh, are permitted without restrictions. Power banks rated between 101 and 160 Wh require approval from the airline before travel.
Passengers may carry a maximum of two lithium batteries, and any power bank without a clearly marked capacity label will not be allowed on board.
The regulations also prohibit passengers from using power banks to charge phones or other electronic devices during a flight.
In addition, power banks must be stored within easy reach, such as in a seat pocket or under the seat, rather than in overhead compartments.
The new measures follow several recent incidents. In July 2025, a power bank caught fire on a Bangkok Airways flight from Samui to Hong Kong, forcing the aircraft to divert to Bangkok. Another similar incident occurred on a Thai AirAsia flight in 2024.
CAAT said the rules are intended to improve aviation safety and bring Thailand in line with international standards.
