Thailand updates power banks for air travellers
New regulations in Thailand limit the size and number of power banks passengers can carry on flights, while banning the devices from checked baggage, as authorities tighten aviation safety measures following a series of onboard battery fire incidents. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has introduced updated rules governing the carriage of power banks on aircraft. The regulations align with guidelines issued by the International Civil Aviation Organization and are already followed by many airlines, including Thai Airways International. New limits for passengers Under the revised rules, power banks must be carried in hand luggage and cannot be placed in checked baggage. Passengers may carry power banks with a capacity of up to 100 watt-hours (Wh), or 20,000 milliampere-hours (mAh), without special approval. Devices with capacities between 101Wh and 160Wh require prior approval from the airline before being taken onboard. Power banks that do not display a clear capacity rating will not be allowed on flights.131563846 The regulator has also limited passengers to carrying a maximum of two lithium batteries. In addition, passengers are not allowed to use power banks or charge electronic devices with them during flights. The devices must remain easily accessible, such as in seat pockets, under seats or in passengers' pockets, and cannot be stored in overhead compartments. Travellers must also take precautions to prevent short circuits by keeping power banks in protective pouches or original packaging and ensuring they do not come into contact with metal objects or other batteries.CAAT said lithium batteries pose risks to passengers, crew members and aircraft operations if they overheat, emit smoke or catch fire. CAAT Director-General ACM Manat Chavanaprayoon said many travellers carry lithium batteries and power banks, but the devices can become dangerous if damaged, mishandled or used improperly. “The regulations are not aimed at restricting passengers but at ensuring safety in line with the guidelines of the International Civil Aviation Organization and many other countries to maximise air transport safety in Thailand,” he said. The updated rules are intended to strengthen flight safety while bringing Thailand's regulations in line with international aviation standards.