Bangkok:The Deputy Minister of Transport has called on Thai Airways to swiftly resolve the issue of stranded baggage at Suvarnabhumi Airport, highlighting the need for responsibility and planning an urgent board meeting to tackle the problem.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, Deputy Minister of Transport, addressed the issue after Mr. Chai Eiamsiri, CEO of Thai Airways, explained that the backlog resulted from a severe staff shortage due to flooding, disrupting normal operations. Although Thai Airways has accepted assistance from various sectors and pledged to expedite the baggage handling process, the Ministry of Transport has proposed an urgent meeting of the Thai Airways Board of Directors to determine solutions and future management strategies.

Mr. Siripong noted that delays are partly due to Thai Airways serving as a baggage handler for partner airlines under Service Level Agreements. The Ministry of Transport, alongside Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited, has coordinated with the Royal Thai Air Force and Thailand Post Public Company Limited to provide personnel for baggage handling.

Measures to manage the backlog include delivering baggage to passengers who request it and organizing luggage for those who will collect it themselves. Compensation for passengers remains the direct responsibility of Thai Airways, with the Ministry of Transport overseeing pricing and safety standards.

The Ministry expressed dissatisfaction with Thai Airways' management of the situation, as the government expected better cooperation. Full assistance had been provided, such as deploying personnel and resources to alleviate flooding at employee housing, but the response was deemed inadequate, particularly in terms of communication with passengers.