The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has launched an investigation into allegations that airlines cancelled passengers’ bookings and resold the same seats at significantly higher prices on the Bangkok-Hat Yai route as southern provinces battle severe flooding.
The probe follows orders from both the prime minister and the transport minister after public complaints circulated online.
The CAAT said that all domestic airfares are legally capped, and airlines are prohibited from selling tickets above the maximum rate. Any carrier found to have overcharged passengers or taken advantage of the situation will face legal action, the agency said.
The issue gained national attention after Udon Thani MP Watcharapol Khaokam criticised soaring airfares on his Facebook page, citing flights priced at 6,600-7,700 baht during the height of the flood crisis.
“A flight from Bangkok to Osaka costs only around 4,000-5,000 baht, but this is just Hat Yai-Bangkok. It’s really too much,” Mr Watcharapol wrote, calling the fares “unreasonable” at a time when people were suffering.
He also noted rising prices on long-distance bus routes and called on the ministry to coordinate with all transport operators — airlines, bus companies and cargo providers — to ease the burden on flood-affected residents.
