Thai Airways under fire as bags pile up at Suvarnabhumi

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29 September 2026, 12:41

Thai Airways is rushing to clear a backlog of passenger baggage at Suvarnabhumi Airport after heavy rain and flooding in Bangkok disrupted ground-handling operations.

The airline said on 29 September that baggage from 52 flights operated on 26–27 September was still being processed and delivered to passengers. It has deployed additional staff and resources to sort, transport and return the baggage as quickly as possible.

Thai Airways CEO Chai Eamsiri apologised to passengers for the disruption and said the airline would continue monitoring the situation until all remaining baggage had been delivered.

Flooding leaves ground staff unable to reach airport

The airline said the flooding particularly affected its ground-handling workforce, with many employees living in areas of eastern Bangkok where floodwaters had risen to more than 1 metre.

Although Suvarnabhumi Airport itself remained operational and flights could continue taking off and landing, some employees were unable to reach the airport because their homes and surrounding areas were flooded.

The shortage affected baggage loading and transport, passenger stair vehicles and the movement of aircraft service equipment.

Chai said Thai Airways had sent vehicles to pick up employees from their homes, but some remained concerned about their flooded homes and could not report for work.

As staff numbers fell below the required level, baggage and cargo began accumulating at the airport, creating a knock-on effect across operations.

Thai Airways handles other airlines’ ground operations

Chai said Thai Airways’ disruption was also linked to its role as a ground-handling provider for other airlines.

The airline has its main operating base in Bangkok and handles a large number of flights. In addition to its own flights, it provides ground-handling services for other airline customers.

Thai Airways has asked Airports of Thailand to coordinate with other ground-handling operators to take over some work for those airline customers.

The airline also said it would consolidate or cancel flights in advance when it determined that operations could not be managed, with affected passengers transferred to other airlines.

Passengers told not to wait at airport

Thai Airways acknowledged that communication with passengers had also been difficult because staff shortages meant it could not provide precise information on when delayed baggage would arrive.

The airline has adjusted its approach by asking passengers to scan a QR code and register a delivery address instead of waiting at the airport.

Thai Airways said the situation had a greater impact on foreign passengers who have limited time in Thailand, while Thai passengers could generally wait for baggage to be delivered to their homes.

Thailand Post, volunteers join effort

Thailand Post has provided personnel and vehicles to help sort and transport baggage.

Thai Airways has also mobilised volunteer staff from its headquarters to assist at the baggage-claim terminal and catering operations.

The airline expects the situation to ease on 29 September.

As of 29 September, baggage from the 52 flights on 26–27 September was being delivered to passengers who had already registered their details.

34 flights delayed

Thai Airways reported 34 delayed flights on 28 September.

The airline also announced cancellations on some routes on 29–30 September due to the Bangkok flooding situation.

Minister says more than 100 troops deployed

Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said more than 100 military personnel had been deployed to help move accumulated baggage and deliver it to passengers’ hotels and homes.

He said the baggage problem had also affected subsequent flights because aircraft carrying undelivered baggage could not operate normally, while outbound passengers’ baggage could not be loaded onto aircraft.

Surasak criticised Thai Airways’ management over its handling of the situation and said the disruption was affecting Thailand’s tourism and the national airline’s image.

He also said the Finance Ministry should consider calling a Thai Airways board meeting to discuss the impact of the incident.

How to track your baggage

Passengers who have already registered their baggage for delivery can wait for Thai Airways staff to contact them by phone or email to confirm their details before delivery.

Passengers collecting baggage themselves can contact the Baggage Service Office on Level 2, in front of the domestic passenger exit, from 06:30–23:30 at 0-2134-5373–74.

For baggage enquiries, domestic passengers can call 0-2134-5373–74, while international passengers can call 0-2134-5466–68.

Nattanicha fights back to reach Asian Games boxing final

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Khaosod English

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29 September 2026, 12:05

Nattanicha fights back to reach Asian Games boxing final

AICHI, Japan — 29 September 2026, Thai-New Zealand boxer Nattanicha Jongprongklang staged a dramatic comeback to beat Japan’s Tsukimi Namiki and reach the women’s 54kg final at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.

Nattanicha, known as Focus, is the only Thai amateur boxer remaining in the competition. She faced host nation boxer Namiki in the semifinal at Nishio Gymnasium on 29 September.

Nattanicha used her height and reach advantage to pressure Namiki from the opening bell. Despite appearing to land the clearer punches, she trailed 2–3 on the judges’ scorecards after the first round.

She continued to press forward in the second round and landed several clean shots, but still found herself behind 1–4 on the cards.

With her place in the final on the line, Nattanicha had no choice but to push the pace in the third round and score as many points as possible.

Namiki focused on maintaining distance and countering, but Nattanicha produced the comeback she needed.

After three rounds, Nattanicha was awarded a 3–2 split decision, securing her place in the Asian Games final and a chance to fight for the gold medal.

Chadchart plans ‘guerrilla’ pumping operation to target most-affected communities

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Seth Buren

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29 September 2026, 11:58

BANGKOK — 29 September 2026, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said the city is preparing a more targeted pumping operation, potentially seeking private-sector support and deploying large “Phraya Naga” pumps to drain flooded communities.

Speaking at Bangkok’s Flood Prevention System Control Centre at 10:00 on Tuesday, Chadchart, joined by deputy governors Wisanu Sapsompol and Sanon Wangsrangboon, said no additional rain had fallen and water levels in affected communities were gradually receding.

“We only know today’s rain forecast. We cannot forecast as far as the day after tomorrow; we have to look at the overall picture,” Chadchart said. “For now, it remains dry and there has been no additional rain.”

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He said the main areas of concern remained Ramkhamhaeng, Bueng Kum, Seri Thai, Nawamin, Lat Krabang and Luang Phaeng, where flooding persisted but water levels were gradually falling.

On food distribution at Khlong Chan flats, Chadchart said the system had been adjusted to ensure aid was distributed more evenly, based on each community’s needs.

“There are 30 flats at Khlong Chan, as well as other buildings in the area, including around Lat Phrao 120. Everything is now in the system,” he said. “We know how many boxed meals are needed. If district offices cannot provide enough, central authorities will send supplies produced by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Education Department, with community representatives collecting the meals.”

He said earlier assistance had not always reached everyone because boats delivered aid first to the communities they encountered. Authorities were now accelerating help for deeper-lying condominium communities and housing estates.

Some areas were already improving, he said. Residents of Chinnakhet Village, who needed food deliveries on 28 September, no longer needed them because they could walk out to buy food at markets.

“As water levels begin to fall, demand will adjust to the real situation. Remaining resources can then be concentrated on other areas,” Chadchart said.

He said the current flooding covered a wide area and required support from multiple agencies, including boats and vehicles. Previous floods had often been more localised, but the scale of the latest heavy rain meant the BMA needed wider cooperation.

Chadchart said he expected water levels to fall more quickly over the next two days and that the BMA would accelerate pumping operations.

“The next thing we need more of is pumping water out of communities,” he said. “We are preparing a plan and may seek cooperation from several agencies, including private companies that may have large Phraya Naga pumps.”

Previously, pumping operations focused on moving water from canals into the Chao Phraya River, he said. The next phase could involve a more targeted, “guerrilla-style” operation, using submersible pumps and large pumps in specific villages and communities.

“If there is capacity outside the area, such as lower canal levels, we can mobilise pumps to help bring water down quickly,” Chadchart said.

Minister blasts Thai Airways over stranded baggage crisis

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Khaosod English

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29 September 2026, 11:38

Minister blasts Thai Airways over stranded baggage crisis

BANGKOK — 29 September 2026, Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul has criticized Thai Airways over a major baggage backlog at Suvarnabhumi Airport, saying the problem is damaging Thailand’s image and tourism industry.

Surasak said he had visited the airport with officials from the Defence and Transport ministries and found that baggage handling by Thai Airways was facing serious problems.

He said Thai Airways was also handling baggage services for other airlines within its group, resulting in passengers waiting five to six hours or longer to collect their luggage.

Heavy rainfall had also prevented some Thai Airways ground staff, particularly baggage handlers, from reaching work, causing baggage to pile up at the airport.

More than 100 military personnel have been deployed to help move and deliver the stranded baggage. The bags will be sent to passengers’ hotels or homes, although the minister acknowledged that military personnel may not have the same expertise as airline staff.

Thai Airways has indicated that it could take three to four days to deliver the baggage.

Surasak said the baggage problems had also affected other flights, as aircraft carrying stranded baggage could not operate their next flights and departing passengers’ luggage could not be loaded onto aircraft.

He criticized Thai Airways management for assigning its staff to support other airlines in the group, saying this appeared to have contributed to the disruption at Thai Airways itself.

The minister also said military personnel sent to help were not provided with food or accommodation by the airline. They had to return to their units for meals before coming back to assist with baggage handling.

Surasak said the situation was particularly concerning because Thai Airways represents Thailand internationally and the disruption could affect the country’s image and tourism sector.

He called for Thai Airways management to take a more proactive approach, saying executives who were not prepared to continue working should consider stepping down.

The minister said he had personally experienced the problem after returning from the Asian Games and was unable to receive his own baggage immediately.

He added that there were currently no tourists stranded at the airport because Suvarnabhumi remained open and flights were operating normally. Weather-related delays had also eased, with remaining delays attributed to technical issues affecting Thai Airways’ operations.

Surasak said his main concern was the delivery of passengers’ baggage.

He also suggested that Finance Minister should call a meeting of the Thai Airways board to discuss the impact of the baggage crisis, saying the airline had been recovering financially but the latest disruption had again damaged its reputation.

Although Thai Airways is now a private company, with the Finance Ministry as its largest shareholder, Surasak said the airline could potentially be brought back under state ownership.

India, Nepal floods kill at least 83 as heavy rain damages homes

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Khaosod English

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29 September 2026, 10:16

Heavy flooding after three days of rain in northern India’s Uttar Pradesh state has killed at least 62 people, officials said Monday.

The state government said 46 people were injured and more than 1,000 homes damaged as heavy rainfall flooded several districts.

2 ap — A woman wades through floodwaters in her neighborhood following heavy rains in Kanpur, India, on Sept. 22, 2026. (AP Photo)

Schools were temporarily closed in some areas, including the state capital Lucknow, while rescue teams moved residents from flooded communities to safer locations. Authorities advised people to avoid non-essential travel through waterlogged areas and to stay away from fast-flowing rivers, streams and drains.

Atul Kumar Singh, a senior scientist at the Regional Meteorological Centre in Lucknow, said rainfall was expected to ease from Monday as a weather system over the Bay of Bengal weakened. However, light rain may continue in eastern and western Uttar Pradesh for another one to two days.

Flooding also affected the eastern Indian state of Odisha, where more than 75,000 people were evacuated to safer locations.

1 ap — Residents of a low-lying neighborhood watch as floodwaters submerge their area following heavy rains in Kanpur, India, on Sept. 22, 2026. (AP Photo)

In neighbouring Nepal, the National Disaster Management Authority said 21 people died in weather-related incidents between 24 and 27 September. Five people remained missing, five were injured, and floods and landslides damaged 194 homes.

Nepal is still recovering from devastating floods in August that killed more than 1,400 people and left nearly 6,000 missing, with search operations continuing.

Thailand beats Malaysia to reclaim Asian Games takraw gold

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Khaosod English

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29 September 2026, 10:04

Thailand beats Malaysia to reclaim Asian Games takraw gold

NAGOYA, Japan — 29 September 2026, Thailand won the men’s team event gold medal in sepak takraw at the 20th Asian Games, defeating longtime rivals Malaysia 2–0 in the final at Nagoya City Mizuho Park Gymnasium.

Thailand, the defending champions, fielded Thanaphon Sap-yen as striker, Kritsanaphong Nontakot as server and Wuttinan Kamsanoh as feeder.

Malaysia lined up with Aslan Elias, Aswawi Idil Aiman and Mohamed Rosdi.

Kritsanaphong repeatedly targeted Malaysia’s front-right area with his serves, helping Thailand take control early. Thailand’s defense remained solid while Thanaphon produced powerful attacks.

Malaysia replaced Rosdi with Razak Zulkifli after Rosdi struggled to make an impact with his serves, but Thailand continued to dominate and took the opening set 15–9.

Thailand made a fast start in the second set, moving 4–0 ahead after Thanaphon made several blocks to stop Malaysia’s attacks.

Malaysia fought back to level at 5–5, but Thailand regained control. Pornthep Thinbangbon was brought on to serve, while Thanaphon mixed powerful smashes with well-placed soft touches.

Thailand capitalized on Malaysia’s errors to close out the set 15–8, securing the gold medal.

The victory gave Thailand their seventh Asian Games men’s team title, following previous gold medals in 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2022. Thailand did not enter the men’s team event in 2018 under the competition regulations.

The gold is Thailand’s 10th at the 2026 Asian Games.

Under the National Sports Development Fund’s current reward criteria, the men’s team is eligible for 2 million baht per gold medal per athlete. With five athletes listed in the team, the total prize money would amount to 10 million baht.

Thailand will have another chance to add a sepak takraw gold medal in the women’s four-player team event.

Mother and daughter found dead after pickup swept away in Kanchanaburi

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Khaosod English

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29 September 2026, 09:24

Kanchanaburi flood deaths — The bodies of a mother and her 12-year-old daughter have been found after their pickup truck was swept into floodwaters. The two bodies were found about 10 metres apart, pinned beneath tree branches. Rescue workers recovered the bodies after an extensive search.

KANCHANABURI — 28 September 2026, The bodies of a mother and her 12-year-old daughter have been found after their pickup truck was swept off a road by strong floodwaters in Kanchanaburi province.

The vehicle was swept into a fast-flowing current on a road in Ban Huai Suea, Chalae subdistrict, Thong Pha Phum district, at about 17:00 on 27 September. Two men were rescued, while the woman, 55, and her daughter, 12, were carried away by the water.

Officials, rescue workers, national park staff and local residents searched the area until 22:00 that night, before suspending the operation because of darkness and dangerous floodwaters. The search resumed on 28 September, with a temporary command centre established in the remote area, where phone and internet signals were unavailable.

At about 15:00, search teams found the girl’s body beneath tree branches about 300 metres from the scene. Her mother’s body was found under a large branch about three hours later, around 10 metres away.

Both bodies were taken to Thong Pha Phum Hospital for examination before being returned to the family for religious rites early on 29 September.

Thai Airways rushes to deliver baggage stranded at Suvarnabhumi

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Khaosod English

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29 September 2026, 09:11

Thai Airways rushes to deliver baggage stranded at Suvarnabhumi

BANGKOK — 29 September 2026, Thai Airways is mobilizing staff to speed up the delivery of baggage left behind from 52 flights at Suvarnabhumi Airport, with the airline saying it is working to return all luggage to passengers as quickly as possible.

Thai Airways CEO Chai Eamsiri apologized to passengers for the inconvenience and said the airline was closely monitoring the situation until the process is completed.

Baggage from 52 flights operated on 26–27 September 2026 is currently being delivered to passengers who have already registered their baggage information. The process will continue until all baggage has been returned.

Meanwhile, 34 flights were delayed on 28 September, with the airline apologizing for the disruption and thanking passengers for their understanding and cooperation.

Passengers who have already registered their baggage can check its status through the following channels:

Self-collection: Contact the Baggage Services Office on the 2nd floor, in front of the domestic passenger exit, between 06:30 and 23:30. Call 0-2134-5373–74.
QR Code registration: Passengers who registered their baggage information through the QR Code will have their luggage delivered to the address provided during registration.

Passengers who have not registered their baggage or need further information can contact:

Domestic routes: 0-2134-5373–74
International routes: 0-2134-5466–68

Thai Airways said staff will contact passengers by phone or email to confirm their information before arranging baggage delivery.

The airline again apologized for the inconvenience and disruption, saying it continues to work on clearing the backlog and delivering passengers’ baggage as quickly as possible.

Drones deliver food to residents trapped by Bangkok floods

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Khaosod English

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28 September 2026, 20:07

Two large transport drones are being used to deliver food and emergency supplies to residents trapped by severe flooding in Bangkok’s Kheha Rom Klao community, where some areas are difficult for boats to reach.

Deputy Prime Minister and Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Minister Yodchanan Wongsawat said six drones are being deployed in the operation. Four smaller drones are being used to survey flooded areas and assess the situation, while two larger drones, capable of carrying up to 80 kilogrammes, are delivering supplies using 20-metre cables.

The operation targets heavily flooded areas surrounded by fences, where boats have been unable to enter to deliver supplies to residents.

The operation is being carried out with the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, Rom Sai rescue workers, the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok and Sistronics Co.

The Social Development Ministry has also set up a central kitchen in the area and is moving food preparation closer to the community to speed up deliveries.

Yodchanan said he witnessed the drones successfully delivering supplies to residents trapped inside the flooded community.

People’s Party leads latest NIDA Poll as Bhumjaithai lags

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Khaosod English

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28 September 2026, 19:31

The People’s Party has retained a clear lead in Thailand’s latest quarterly political popularity survey, while party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut remains the public’s top choice for prime minister, according to a new NIDA Poll.

The survey, released on Sunday, found that 35.40% of respondents supported the People’s Party, well ahead of Pheu Thai at 18.44% and the governing Bhumjaithai Party at 12.08%.

The Democrat Party ranked fourth with 9.80%, while 7.64% said there was no political party they considered suitable.

Thai Pakdee received 4.68%, followed by the United Thai Nation Party at 2.16%. Thai Sang Thai and Rak Muang Thai each received 1.80%, Seri Ruam Thai 1.72%, and the Economic Party 1.52%.

Natthaphong remains top choice for PM

Asked whom they would support as prime minister if choosing today, 24.72% named Natthaphong, putting him in first place.

Another 19.80% said they could not identify anyone suitable for the post, making that the second-most common response.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul of Bhumjaithai ranked third at 13.76%, followed by Pheu Thai’s Yodchanan Wongsawat at 11.28% and Democrat Party figure Abhisit Vejjajiva at 9.60%.

Thai Pakdee leader Warong Dechgitvigrom received 5.68%, while Thai Sang Thai leader Sudarat Keyuraphan received 2.64%.

Natthaphong Ruangpanyawut — Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut

Bhumjaithai support falls from earlier in year

The latest figures show a notable decline in support for Bhumjaithai compared with NIDA’s earlier quarterly surveys.

In the first-quarter poll conducted in March, Bhumjaithai had 26.60% party support, compared with 35.80% for the People’s Party. Anutin was also close behind Natthaphong in the prime minister preference poll, receiving 29.40% against Natthaphong’s 30.60%.

By the second-quarter survey conducted from 29 June to 2 July, Bhumjaithai’s party support had fallen to 17.00%, while the People’s Party stood at 34.80% and Pheu Thai at 16.84%.

Natthaphong led the prime minister preferences at 26.08%, followed by Anutin at 21.68%.

In the latest poll, the People’s Party has remained broadly stable at 35.40%, while Pheu Thai has risen to second place at 18.44% and Bhumjaithai has fallen to 12.08%.

Natthaphong’s personal support has also declined from 30.60% in the first quarter to 24.72%, although he remains the most popular named choice for prime minister.

Nationwide survey of 2,500 people

NIDA Poll, operated by the National Institute of Development Administration, surveyed 2,500 people aged 18 and above nationwide between 18 and 23 September.

Respondents were drawn from different regions, education levels, occupations and income groups using NIDA Poll’s multi-stage sampling system. The survey was conducted by telephone and reported a 97% confidence level.

Flooding leaves ground staff unable to reach airport

Thai Airways handles other airlines’ ground operations

Passengers told not to wait at airport

Thailand Post, volunteers join effort

34 flights delayed

Minister says more than 100 troops deployed

How to track your baggage

Passengers who have already registered their baggage can check its status through the following channels:

Passengers who have not registered their baggage or need further information can contact:

Natthaphong remains top choice for PM

Bhumjaithai support falls from earlier in year

Nationwide survey of 2,500 people

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