Thai Airways Lost or Damaged Baggage: Compensation & Claim Guide
Domestic Max
$
International Max
1519 SDR
Avg Response
30 days
Claim Types
3
To get Thai Airways baggage compensation, report the issue at the airport baggage office immediately and get a PIR (Property Irregularity Report). Domestic compensation is capped at $. International compensation is capped at 1519 SDR (~$1,900). File online at Thai Airways's claims portal.
Thai Airways Baggage Claims & Compensation: What You Need to Know
Thai Airways, a member of the Star Alliance is based in TH and serves as a prominent Asia-Pacific carrier. When filing a baggage claim with Thai Airways, your rights and the airline's obligations are determined by the applicable regulatory framework for your flight route.
Here are the key facts about Thai Airways's baggage claim process: The tightest deadline is 7 days from the incident; interim expenses are covered up to $25; excluded items include jewelry, cash, electronics; typical response time is 30 days. Preparing your documentation in advance and meeting every deadline will put your claim in the strongest possible position.
Strategic tip for Thai Airways claims: the the executive office channel (rated 70% effective) tends to yield the best results; the escalation path with the highest success rate (75%) involves file a lawsuit / small claims action or consult an aviation attorney. the montreal convention imposes a strict 2-year limitation period to bring suit.; our data for Thai Airways has a confidence score of 82%; last verified in June 2026.
Compared to other airlines in our database: their international limit of ~$1,900 is slightly below the average; their interim expense allowance of $25 is below average. These figures are based on data from 83 airlines.
Thai Airways Claim Deadlines
Damaged Baggage
| Flight Type | Action | Deadline | Regulation |
|---|---|---|---|
| domestic | Report at Airport | 7 days | — |
| international | Report at Airport | 7 days | Montreal Convention Art. 31 |
If missed: Claim may be denied; TG does not cover damage not reported at the airport and not claimed in writing within 7 days.
Delayed Baggage
| Flight Type | Action | Deadline | Regulation |
|---|---|---|---|
| domestic | File Claim Online | 21 days | — |
| international | File Claim Online | 21 days | Montreal Convention Art. 31 |
If missed: Loss of right to interim expense reimbursement; claim may be denied.
Lost Baggage
| Flight Type | Action | Deadline | Regulation |
|---|---|---|---|
| domestic | File Claim Online | 21 days | — |
| international | File Claim Online | 21 days | Montreal Convention Art. 31, 35 |
If missed: Claim may be denied or reduced.
Documentation Requirements
Required Documents
- ✓pir report
Property Irregularity Report (PIR) issued by TG baggage service at the airport
Note: Obtain BEFORE leaving the airport. Contains the unique file reference linked to your baggage.
- ✓baggage tag
Baggage tag / claim check details
- ✓photo
Photographs/evidence of the damage from multiple angles
Note: Include close-ups of the damage and full views of the bag.
- ✓interim expense receipt
Original receipts for emergency purchases (toiletries, essential clothing, equipment rental)
Note: Keep all receipts. Reimbursement up to $100/person international, $25/person domestic. Must prove actual financial loss.
- ✓pir report
Property Irregularity Report (PIR) / File Reference Number from the airport
Note: Required to commence baggage tracing and to support a reimbursement claim.
- ✓pir report
Property Irregularity Report (PIR) filed within 7 days of arrival
Note: Filing a PIR within 7 days of arrival is required to initiate a lost-baggage compensation claim.
- ✓itemized list
Complete inventory of bag contents with estimated values
Note: Be detailed: include brand names, purchase dates and condition.
- ✓receipt
Receipts / proof of value for claimed items
Note: Credit card statements and photos of items also help substantiate value. Depreciation may be applied.
Recommended (Optional)
- ○boarding pass
Boarding pass or e-ticket confirmation for flight verification
- ○boarding pass
Boarding pass or e-ticket confirmation for flight verification
- ○boarding pass
Boarding pass or e-ticket confirmation for flight verification
Thai Airways Liability Limits
Domestic Flights
—
Montreal Convention
Interim expenses: up to $25
Excluded: jewelry, cash, electronics, documents, medication, fragile items, perishables, valuables
International Flights
$1,900
1519 SDR
Montreal Convention
Interim expenses: up to $100
Excluded: jewelry, cash, electronics, documents, medication, fragile items, perishables, valuables
Thai Airways Contact Information
Baggage Hotline
+66 2 356 1111
Hours: 24/7
Avg wait: 20 min
THAI Global Call Center (Bangkok HQ). Ask for baggage services; have your PIR file reference ready.
Claims Mailing Address
Thai Airways International Public Company Limited, 89 Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
Head office mailing address for written claims and refund requests. US customers may also email customercareamericas@thaiair.co.jp. Send certified mail.
Claims Email
baggageclaim@thaiairways.com
Bangkok Lost & Found / baggage claim email (listed on TG delayed-baggage page). Attach PIR and receipts.
Customer Service
+1 815 745 5510
Hours: 24/7
Avg wait: 25 min
THAI Global Call Center number for the USA. Reservations and general customer service. Email: usareservations@thaiairways.com
Executive Office
Chai Eamsiri, Chief Executive Officer - Thai Airways International, 89 Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
Executive escalation. Use only after other channels are exhausted. CEO verified via Thai Airways company profile / Wikipedia.
Want us to handle this for you?
We'll file your Thai Airways claim end-to-end — or use the official forms below.
Claim Forms & Portals
Escalation Path
internal
55% successCall the THAI Global Call Center (+66 2 356 1111 / USA +1 815 745 5510) with your PIR file reference, or email baggageclaim@thaiairways.com
When to escalate: Claim filed via Passenger Property Claim Form, no response in 7-14 days
Avg resolution: 14 days
internal
60% successSubmit a written complaint to TG Customer Relations / head office (89 Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900) by email and certified mail
When to escalate: Claim denied or inadequate offer after first response
Avg resolution: 21 days
internal
62% successSend an executive escalation letter to the CEO, Chai Eamsiri, at Thai Airways head office in Bangkok
When to escalate: Customer Relations response unsatisfactory
Avg resolution: 21 days
regulatory
70% successFile a complaint with the US Department of Transportation (foreign carriers serving the US are subject to DOT consumer rules). For Thailand-only itineraries, complain to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT).
When to escalate: Itinerary touches the US and internal options exhausted, or no response after 30 days
Avg resolution: 45 days
legal
75% successBest Success RateFile a lawsuit / small claims action or consult an aviation attorney. The Montreal Convention imposes a strict 2-year limitation period to bring suit.
When to escalate: All other options unsuccessful; suit must be filed within 2 years of arrival date (Montreal Convention Art. 35)
Avg resolution: 90 days
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Thai Airways's maximum baggage liability for domestic flights?
Thai Airways's maximum liability for domestic flights is $undefined under Montreal Convention. This covers the depreciated value of your bag and its contents.
What is Thai Airways's maximum baggage liability for international flights?
Thai Airways's maximum liability for international flights is 1519 SDR (approximately $1,900) under the Montreal Convention. SDR values fluctuate with exchange rates.
How long do I have to file a lost baggage claim with Thai Airways?
A bag not found within 21 days of the expected delivery date is considered lost; file the Passenger Property Claim Form. A Property Irregularity Report must be filed within 7 days of arrival to enable the claim.
Does Thai Airways cover expenses while my bag is delayed?
Yes, Thai Airways provides interim expense coverage up to $25. This covers reasonable purchases like toiletries, underwear, and a change of clothing. Keep all receipts — you won't be reimbursed without them.
What items does Thai Airways exclude from baggage liability?
Thai Airways excludes the following items from baggage liability: jewelry, cash, electronics, documents, medication, fragile items, perishables, valuables. These items are not covered even if they are damaged, lost, or stolen during transit. Consider keeping high-value and excluded items in your carry-on.
Can I track my missing Thai Airways bag online?
Yes, Thai Airways uses the WorldTracer system for tracking mishandled baggage. You can check the status of your delayed or lost bag using the reference number from your Property Irregularity Report (PIR). Track your bag at Thai Airways's tracking portal.
How does Thai Airways calculate the value of lost items?
Thai Airways applies depreciation when calculating compensation for lost items, meaning you receive the current value rather than the original purchase price. Typical depreciation is 10-20% per year for clothing and 20-33% for electronics. Provide purchase receipts or credit card statements to support your claimed values.
How much compensation can I get from Thai Airways for lost or delayed baggage?
Thai Airways's maximum baggage compensation is up to 1519 SDR (approximately $1,900) for international flights under the Montreal Convention. Actual compensation is based on the depreciated value of your items, so keep receipts and purchase records to support your claim.
What's the fastest way to reach Thai Airways about a baggage claim?
Based on our data, contacting the executive office is the most effective channel for Thai Airways baggage claims, with an effectiveness rating of 70%.
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