Thailand’s Civil Aviation Board has reportedly approved a steep increase in the passenger service charge—commonly known as airport tax—for outbound international travellers, according to local media.
Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, who chaired the board meeting, said the panel has agreed to Airports of Thailand Plc’s (AOT) proposal to raise the fee from 730 baht to 1,120 baht, a 53% hike. The increased charge will be added to air ticket prices and is expected to take effect early next year.
AOT, which operates six major airports—Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai and Chiang Rai—will now seek public feedback before submitting final documents for the transport minister’s approval. Once cleared, the new rate must be announced at least four months before rollout.
Local reports say AOT estimates the revised airport tax could generate an additional 10 billion baht annually, based on an average international passenger traffic of 35 million across its six airports.