JAKARTA - Thailand’s higher international passenger service charge took effect on June 20 at six airports operated by Airports of Thailand, raising the fee for international departing passengers from THB730 to THB1,120 per person.
The six affected airports are Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai, Phuket and Hat Yai. Domestic passengers are not covered by the increase, and the domestic passenger service charge remains unchanged at THB130 per person.
The charge is built into the airfare at the time of ticket purchase. Tickets issued from June 20 reflect the higher rate, and tickets bought before the effective date are not affected, according to the TAT update.
“Travellers are not required to make any separate payment at the airport,” TAT said. The change applies to Thai and foreign passengers leaving Thailand on international flights, the Tourism Authority of Thailand said in a May 18 update.
The increase adds THB390 to each international departure from the six AOT airports. Against the previous THB730 rate, that is a rise of about 53% in the international passenger service charge.
AOT linked the adjustment to airport operations, infrastructure development, technology upgrades and passenger service improvements across its network.
Planned works include airport expansion projects, upgraded passenger facilities and automated airport service systems designed to reduce queues and improve operational efficiency.
The change affects Thailand’s main international gateways, including Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports, Phuket and Chiang Mai. The fee applies to passengers departing on international flights from those airports, regardless of nationality.
