Royal Thai Air Force personnel and Thai Airways International (THAI) employees reassigned from other offices are helping clear a baggage backlog at an airport in Samut Prakan, on the outskirts of Bangkok. The disruption began on Saturday after severe flooding prompted Bangkok to declare a citywide disaster zone and prevented many ground crew from getting to work.
Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said late Sunday that both domestic and international passengers were affected, with some waiting four to six hours for their bags. Officials are registering passengers unable to remain at the airport and arranging delivery to their accommodation.
Defence Minister Lt Gen Adul Boonthamcharoen told reporters at Government House on Monday morning that he would inspect the situation and assign military personnel to assist ground operations. Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angkasakulkiat estimated delivery would take about three days after registration and said THAI must cover all costs and damages.
Surasak suggested a quick-response (QR) code system to register baggage deliveries. THAI is responsible for baggage handling. Airports of Thailand (AOT) may impose penalties if it finds that delays resulted from breaches of conditions or regulations.