Thailand to Raise Airport Passenger Service Charges

Does anyone really think that an additional $12 US is going to make any difference at all to anyone? Except to you chronic complainers and doomsayers who also seem to be clairvoyant economic geniuses able to predict the future? Have any of you been alive long enough to notice that prices always rise, and it's called "inflation"? In fact airfare is actually down from 2024. And the price of gasoline in Thailand? Down considerably from 2 years ago. Any complaints about that?

17 hours ago, RubbaJohnny said:

How will they collect from tickets I have already in hand ?

Will I need to queue up somewhere after check in?

It will be added to your flight ticket cost

They are correct it will not affect the current tourism trend. The numbers are getting lower every year. It will continue to do so.

Whilst all neighbouring countries are seeing increased number of tourists.

When extremely dull people hold political office and they lack even a nanogram of creativity, they always resort to raising taxes and fees, so this is just par for the course for really low end, bottom of the barrel politicians.

23 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

While this change targets foreign travelers, AOT asserts it will not impact international visitor numbers to Thailand.

While this change targets foreign travelers, AOT asserts it will not impact international visitor numbers to Thailand -- until it does.

In the meanwhile Vietnam picks up the slack. No doubt we will be seeing more about Vietnam cutting into Thailand's tourism - but? There is a reason if Thailand actually wanted to do some introspection.

Who will even notice?

6 hours ago, RandolphGB said:

AOT made 18 billion Baht in profit ($500m USD) in the previous financial year. They are one of the world's richest airport operators. Thai airports are, coincidentally, some of the worst and most dangerous in the world (see the case of a woman's legs being chopped off by faulty travelators at DMK).

This is daylight robbery in plain sight. Not a penny of the extra revenue raised will be invested in improvements. Instead, it will disappear on opaque contracts and executive pay.

Rubbish. Thai airports are not “the worst and most dangerous in the world “.

Doha is lagging behind BKK on so many levels e. g. insufficient signage, not enough toilets and surly ignorant security screeners yet it’s (Doha Airport) all over world media as the pinnacle of comfort and ease of transit/entry.

Nah, BKK is up there with the best, especially since they quickened the passage through immigration on arrival.

23 hours ago, RubbaJohnny said:

How will they collect from tickets I have already in hand ?

Will I need to queue up somewhere after check in?

In a very distant past when Bangkok's main airport was Dom Muang, before leaving Thailand you'd have to go to a counter and pay the departure tax (500 Baht if I'm not mistaken) and only with the receipt they would allow you through immigration.

It's not a big deal and most travelers will not even notice it. Thailand may need to raise its VAT rate soon though. I don't know what other choices it has. Alternatively, if PP wins the election they may try to go after the oligarchs and tax them. Otherwise, there seem to be few choices for increasing revenue. They have made some gains in tightening income tax, but enforcement always lags.

Let us hope Thai authorities do not follow Heathrow Airport who charge even for a 1 minute dropping off of a passneger!

5 hours ago, brewsterbudgen said:

Who will even notice?

The usual suspects on here,

21 hours ago, ian carman said:

It will be added to your flight ticket cost

Compared to some airports, its a bargain

17 hours ago, Red Forever said:

Nah, BKK is up there with the best, especially since they quickened the passage through immigration on arrival.

I agree. Within the past 2 years, I have been in airports in Phnom Pen (old and new) Siem Reap, Seoul, Singapore, Istanbul, LAX, JFK, DMK and BKK, Baku, Tbilisi, Tashkent, Frankfurt, Doha, Boston, Charlotte, Dulles, Reagan and Atlanta and other than the long walk to the gates, BKK is right up there with famous Singapore airport in terms of efficiency. Siem Reap is good too because its generally empty.

On 2/2/2026 at 6:44 PM, soi3eddie said:

Thailand is already expensive enough. More nonsense like this will drive travellers to less expensive destinations.

I agree that a 390 baht increase in the service charge (PSC) will have zero effect on tourist numbers. If the money is funnelled into airport improvement, that's a good thing.

People will not change travel plans to visit other countries to save 390 baht. Also, most people arriving after May will not be aware of the increase.

On 2/3/2026 at 1:56 AM, Patong2021 said:

The evisas charges have nothing to do with Passenger Service Charges.

You missed my point.

I merely suggested that the 30 day "free" visa exemption stamp is not "free" and in fact, getting more expensive.

On 2/3/2026 at 1:56 AM, Patong2021 said:

That was an understatement. I don't think he/she has flown international from Cambodia.

I have flown to Cambodia many times, as well as overland. I have not been to the new airport yet.

My point is about transparency.

You do know it's about a 53% increase. That's hardly an increase to keep pace with inflation. Passenger Services hasn't gone up 53%. It's a money grab.

It's probably to bail out Thai Airways when they go broke again. 😂

On 2/2/2026 at 3:16 PM, NoDisplayName said:

I think you missed something.

On 2/2/2026 at 3:16 PM, NoDisplayName said:

Price increase is 390 baht, about 12 bucks...........or about one Big Mac meal.

I think you missed something.

It's about transparency. It's a 53% increase. That's not due to inflation. That's a money grab.

Let's have a look at your, "12 bucks" and "Big Mac" comparison.

I just did a random flight scenario for Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City for mid June, one way, with Vietjet. 1,927 baht was the cheapest flight of the day.

1.230 baht - 730 baht = 390 baht.

That increase of 390 baht is 20% of the cost of that flight at 1,927 baht.

What are the passengers getting for that extra 20%????

Will people pay it, yes. Am I complaining about it, no.

I just see it for what it is. Just another Thai money grab, this time hidden in an air ticket.

Tourism go down, put price up.

10 hours ago, KhunHeineken said:

You missed my point.

I merely suggested that the 30 day "free" visa exemption stamp is not "free" and in fact, getting more expensive.

I have flown to Cambodia many times, as well as overland. I have not been to the new airport yet.

My point is about transparency.

You do know it's about a 53% increase. That's hardly an increase to keep pace with inflation. Passenger Services hasn't gone up 53%. It's a money grab.

It's probably to bail out Thai Airways when they go broke again. 😂

The international passenger service fee has been less than comparable airports and the rate of inflation. The history was as follows;

1-Feb-2007: 700 baht

1-April-2024: 730 baht

1-May-2026: 1120 baht

In effect, the passenger service fee is going from 700 baht to 1120 baht over a period of 19 years. Hardly an increase of significance. In that same period, AOT built a modern state of the art multi billion baht Satellite terminal at BKK, a new International terminal at HKT and upgraded equipment at other airports.

Calling this a cash grab is petty, and demonstrates an ignorance of the costs of operating transportation hubs. The additional money will be used to fund the cost of improvements and upgrades to security and facilities at the airports including toilets and power and air-conditioning systems. Who do you want to pay for this? General taxpayers, or the people who are using and benefiting from the changes?

On 2/3/2026 at 3:57 PM, Red Forever said:

Rubbish. Thai airports are not “the worst and most dangerous in the world “.

Doha is lagging behind BKK on so many levels e. g. insufficient signage, not enough toilets and surly ignorant security screeners yet it’s (Doha Airport) all over world media as the pinnacle of comfort and ease of transit/entry.

Nah, BKK is up there with the best, especially since they quickened the passage through immigration on arrival.

Cute way of looking at things. Bless you.

15 hours ago, Patong2021 said:

The international passenger service fee has been less than comparable airports and the rate of inflation. The history was as follows;

1-Feb-2007: 700 baht

1-April-2024: 730 baht

1-May-2026: 1120 baht

In effect, the passenger service fee is going from 700 baht to 1120 baht over a period of 19 years. Hardly an increase of significance. In that same period, AOT built a modern state of the art multi billion baht Satellite terminal at BKK, a new International terminal at HKT and upgraded equipment at other airports.

Calling this a cash grab is petty, and demonstrates an ignorance of the costs of operating transportation hubs. The additional money will be used to fund the cost of improvements and upgrades to security and facilities at the airports including toilets and power and air-conditioning systems. Who do you want to pay for this? General taxpayers, or the people who are using and benefiting from the changes?

It's a cash grab, at a time when tourism is tanking.

Can you name anything else in Thailand that has had a one off price increase of 53% recently?

Storm in a teacup as usual here..

5 hours ago, KhunHeineken said:

It's a cash grab, at a time when tourism is tanking.

Can you name anything else in Thailand that has had a one off price increase of 53% recently?

You do not have much experience in real life business management do you?

Your emphasis on a % increase is indicative of an inability to grasp the concept of context. If the starting point is low, even a small increase can be shown to be large when using a %.

-The Thai international passenger fee had not been adjusted in 19 years.

-The Thai international passenger fee remains well below comparable airports.

-AOT has invested billions in the improvement and upgrades of its airports. You have not offered an alternative option by which the AOT can pay for the increased costs of operations and the additional infrastructure investments.

-You have failed to show that the relatively small increase in the fee will negatively impact passenger volume. The reality is that it will not. Even small increases in international airfares have negligible impact.

- The international passenger fee has been relatively unchanged since 2007. The increase for May 2026 is within the cost of living factor for the 19 years.

Your argument assumes that; operating costs have not increased, and that there has been and will not be any investment in the operating plant of AOT. Let's see how you would respond if you were told your pension was not adjusted for Cost of Living increases. 😉

22 hours ago, Patong2021 said:

You do not have much experience in real life business management do you?

Your emphasis on a % increase is indicative of an inability to grasp the concept of context. If the starting point is low, even a small increase can be shown to be large when using a %.

-The Thai international passenger fee had not been adjusted in 19 years.

-The Thai international passenger fee remains well below comparable airports.

-AOT has invested billions in the improvement and upgrades of its airports. You have not offered an alternative option by which the AOT can pay for the increased costs of operations and the additional infrastructure investments.

-You have failed to show that the relatively small increase in the fee will negatively impact passenger volume. The reality is that it will not. Even small increases in international airfares have negligible impact.

- The international passenger fee has been relatively unchanged since 2007. The increase for May 2026 is within the cost of living factor for the 19 years.

Your argument assumes that; operating costs have not increased, and that there has been and will not be any investment in the operating plant of AOT. Let's see how you would respond if you were told your pension was not adjusted for Cost of Living increases. 😉

Rubbish.

It's a typical Thai money grab. Simple as that.

1 hour ago, KhunHeineken said:

Rubbish.

It's a typical Thai money grab. Simple as that.

You have not provided anything even remotely intelligent in which to support your claim.

On 2/3/2026 at 8:27 AM, JamesPhuket10 said:

If the increase in the cost which is less than the cost of pint and half of beer in a British pub puts off tourists then the tourist can not afford to come to Thailand in the first place.

Passengers pay the following in the UK when flying to Thailand. So I doubt if the extra few quid in taxes in Thailand will put them off.

But once the tourist get here then things are super cheap compared to the UK.

Example I went to a restaurant in Chelmsford 30 miles from London last year on my visit back to England, , we had a main meal each, I had a few beers, the friend she had a few small cokes , price £110

Air Passenger Duty (UK)	£212 return (economy) much more in business class
Airport/passenger charge (Heathrow)	£40–£60 total
Carrier/airline surcharges	Depends on airline, commonly £100+

The facilities at the newer Thai airports are fantastic, super clean toilets, shops, cheap food restaurants etc.

lol. One can always spot the newb when they quote/compare their country prices. So funny. Apples oranges dude. Bring in GDPs and salaries for clarity if you like, nobody here will buy it. The Thai gov is ripping its visitors off AS THEY DO, which is why they are going next door.

6 hours ago, KhunHeineken said:

Rubbish.

It's a typical Thai money grab. Simple as that.

Valid arguments to support your opinion would be nice. So far they're lacking.

On 2/3/2026 at 1:27 AM, JamesPhuket10 said:

Air Passenger Duty (UK)	£212 return (economy) much more in business class
Airport/passenger charge (Heathrow)	£40–£60 total
Carrier/airline surcharges	Depends on airline, commonly £100+

Not sure where you got these figures from, but APD in economy on a flight from LHR-BKK would currently be £94 and it's only applicable in one direction as it's a UK government tax.

13 hours ago, treetops said:

Not sure where you got these figures from, but APD in economy on a flight from LHR-BKK would currently be £94 and it's only applicable in one direction as it's a UK government tax.

I did not say it is payable in both directions, I showed you the total price.

The figures I quoted are correct.

Just have a quick search for air passenger duty Heathrow.

Airport passenger charge.

Carrier airline surcharges, the number you quoted is probably this one.

2 hours ago, JamesPhuket10 said:

The figures I quoted are correct.

No they're not.

As I said the Air Passenger Duty (APD) in economy on a return flight from LHR-BKK would currently be £94. Make a dummy booking with an airline that shows the breakdown and you'll see for yourself.

The Thailand PSC of 730 baht being discussed in this thread can also be seen here, converted to £17.20.

2 hours ago, JamesPhuket10 said:

I did not say it is payable in both directions, I showed you the total price.

Your graphic mentioned "return" so just clarifying in case anyone thought it might be applicable both ways.

2 hours ago, JamesPhuket10 said:

Carrier airline surcharges, the number you quoted is probably this one.

As your graphic stated, these vary between carriers. As such I wouldn't give a figure without clarification.

7 minutes ago, treetops said:

No they're not.

As I said the Air Passenger Duty (APD) in economy on a return flight from LHR-BKK would currently be £94. Make a dummy booking with an airline that shows the breakdown and you'll see for yourself.

The Thailand PSC of 730 baht being discussed in this thread can also be seen here, converted to £17.20.

Your graphic mentioned "return" so just clarifying in case anyone thought it might be applicable both ways.

As your graphic stated, these vary between carriers. As such I wouldn't give a figure without clarification.

Why are you ignoring the Airport passenger charge and the Carrier airline surcharges as shown in your ticket break down?

I merely gave a list of ALL charges per return ticket from Heathrow in my original comment weeks ago so I do not see the point you are making?

The charges are even higher for me as I fly business class but the ticket is cheaper if I originate the flight in Bangkok and return to Bangkok than if I would originate the flight in London.

6 minutes ago, JamesPhuket10 said:

Why are you ignoring the Airport passenger charge and the Carrier airline surcharges as shown in your ticket break down?

Because your graphic specifically mentioned Air Passenger Duty incorrectly as £212. I'm not ignoring the others but I'm only querying this one figure.

This is from your post.

Perhaps you could show the source of the information and we can try and work out what they've done?

APD decribed in full here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/changes-to-air-passenger-duty-rates-from-1-april-2025/air-passenger-duty-rates-from-1-april-2025-to-31-march-2026

50 minutes ago, treetops said:

Because your graphic specifically mentioned Air Passenger Duty incorrectly as £212. I'm not ignoring the others but I'm only querying this one figure.

This is from your post.

Perhaps you could show the source of the information and we can try and work out what they've done?

APD decribed in full here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/changes-to-air-passenger-duty-rates-from-1-april-2025/air-passenger-duty-rates-from-1-april-2025-to-31-march-2026

Proposed revisions

Legislation will be introduced in Finance Bill 2024-25 to amend section 30 of Finance Act 1994. The rates will be as follows:

From 1 April 2025

(1) If any class of travel provides a seat pitch in excess of 1.016 metres (40 inches) the standard rate is the minimum rate that applies. (2) The higher rate applies to flights aboard aircraft of 20 tonnes and above with fewer than 19 seats.

The information is on the link you sent me.

I see what I have done, I should have said a business class seat as that is how I travel. 👍 Case solved 😃