Travel to Thailand is set to become more expensive as Airports of Thailand (AOT) has announced a significant increase in passenger service charges for outbound international travellers, according to a report by the Bangkok Post.
Beginning June 20, the fee for departing international passengers will rise by 53 percent, from 730 baht to 1,120 baht. The revised charges will apply at six of Thailand’s key airports, including Suvarnabhumi Airport, Don Mueang International Airport, Phuket, Hat Yai, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai. Domestic passenger fees, however, will remain unchanged.
The increase was approved by Thailand’s Civil Aviation Board in late 2025. AOT President Paweena Jariyathitipong said internal studies indicate that the service charge represents only a small portion of overall ticket prices and is therefore unlikely to influence travel behaviour.
AOT estimates that the higher charges could generate roughly 13 billion baht in additional revenue by fiscal year 2027. The funds are intended to support long-term infrastructure development, including construction of a new South Terminal at Suvarnabhumi Airport — a project expected to cost more than 200 billion baht.
The airport operator has framed the decision as a move to strengthen financial stability rather than simply boost profits. According to AOT, the added revenue will help improve its cost structure, reduce reliance on borrowing, and ease interest burdens. The company also noted that most airports globally impose fees on both departing and transit passengers, while Thailand currently charges only those departing.
Concerns over passenger impact
Despite AOT’s rationale, critics have questioned the implications for travellers and the tourism sector. Samart Ratchapolsitte, a former deputy leader of Thailand’s Democrat Party, argued that the key issue is whether passengers will experience tangible improvements in service quality.
He warned that the revised fees at Suvarnabhumi Airport would exceed those at many leading international hubs, despite the airport’s relatively modest position in global rankings. Ratchapolsitte also suggested that the increase could push up ticket prices on low-cost routes by an estimated 7 to 10 percent, potentially affecting Thailand’s competitiveness as a budget-friendly destination.
Industry observers note that price sensitivity remains a critical factor for many regional travellers, particularly those choosing between short-haul leisure destinations.
Ratchapolsitte called for transparency in how the additional funds are used, urging authorities to prioritise visible upgrades such as reduced immigration and security wait times, improved baggage handling, adequate seating, cleaner facilities, reliable high-speed Wi-Fi, and expanded use of self-check-in and biometric systems.
He emphasized that travellers may accept higher charges if they perceive clear value in return, arguing that pricing alone is not the central concern.
Comments are closed.