The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has issued new regulations regarding the carrying of power banks or lithium-ion batteries on board an aircraft to increase aviation safety in line with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.
Under the new regulations, each passenger can carry a maximum of two power banks in his hand luggage. Each power bank must have a maximum watt-hours (Wh) of 100 but, if exceeding 100Wh, not over 160Wh and special permission must be granted by the airline before boarding.
Power banks cannot be carried in checked luggage, but must be hand-carried by passengers and the hand luggage cannot be kept in the overhead compartment, but kept on the floor beneath the seat in front or in the seat pocket, which can be easily reached in case the power banks catch fire or become overheated.
Use of a power bank while making a phone call, while operating an electronic device or recharging a power bank from a power source on an aircraft during a flight is prohibited.
CAAT Director Air Chief Marshal Manat Chavanaprayoon said that power banks with lithium-ion batteries are widely carried and used by air travellers, but the devices are vulnerable to damage and may cause a fire.
He explained that the stringent measures are not intended to impose restrictions on travellers, but to enhance safety in line with international standards.
He said the CAAT expects full cooperation from all passengers.
