BANGKOK, Thailand – Soldiers were sent in on Monday to help clear a massive pile-up of luggage at Suvarnabhumi airport, where flooding across Bangkok has kept ground staff from reaching work and triggered hours-long flight delays over the weekend. Officials are also registering passengers unable to wait at the airport, arranging for their bags to be delivered to their accommodation.

Flooding and Faulty Carts Trigger Baggage Chaos, Flight Delays at Suvarnabhumi

Defence Minister Lt Gen Adul Boonthamcharoen told reporters at Government House that he had been briefed on the staff shortage, adding he would inspect the situation personally and assign defence personnel to assist ground operations.

The baggage chaos has mounted since Saturday, when widespread flooding forced Bangkok to declare a citywide disaster zone and left many Thai Airways ground crew unable to travel to work. Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said late Sunday that both domestic and international passengers were hit, some waiting four to six hours for their bags.

Thai Airways, responsible for baggage handling, is now being assisted by air force personnel, with THAI staff from other offices reassigned to help. Surasak suggested the airline set up a QR code system for baggage-delivery registration.

Jet Ski Rider Charged For Drifting Through Bangkok Floodwaters On Main Street

Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angkasakulkiat said delivery would take about three days after registration and confirmed Thai Airways must cover all costs and damages, while Airports of Thailand will penalise the airline if the delays stem from breaches of conditions or regulations.

-Thailand News (TN)