Transport CAAT Considers Raising Airport Service Charge by October

[snoop1130]

File photo for reference only

 

In a bid to enhance airport operations, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) is anticipating a decision on increased Passenger Service Charges (PSC) by October. A significant hike could potentially add three billion baht to Airports of Thailand's (AOT) annual revenue.

 

The current PSC for outbound travellers, unchanged for years, is under review by CAAT and AOT. This assessment seeks to align charges with actual operating costs, which are vital for infrastructure development. At present, AOT's charge of 730 baht for international departures pales in comparison to regional rivals like Singapore’s Changi Airport, which charges around 1,400–1,500 baht.

 

ACM Manat Chawanaprayoon, CAAT director, emphasised that becoming a regional aviation hub necessitates aligning PSC rates with realistic revenue and investment needs. While a 100-baht increase remains speculative, the comprehensive study set for completion by October will precede a formal proposal to CAAT. Next steps involve presenting findings and investment plans before the Civil Aviation Board (CAB) approves any adjustment.

 

In the meantime, CAAT is proposing a modest five-baht-per-person increase to the CAB. This proposal awaits final approval, delayed by a quorum issue following a board member’s resignation. The transport minister is expected to nominate a replacement soon, allowing the board to convene.

 

AOT is also contemplating new charges for transit and transfer passengers, currently exempt. The CAAT expressed openness to such proposals, provided AOT presents thorough supporting data.

 

Paweena Jariyathitipong, acting AOT president, stated that both AOT and CAAT agree the PSC must reflect true service costs—a position AOT has maintained for over five years. While PSC calculations differ globally, all adhere to International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards. AOT plans a unified PSC rate across its six airports to standardise revenue and expenses.

 

Should the five-baht increase go through, AOT could see an additional income of 200–300 million baht annually. A more substantial increase of up to 100 baht may elevate revenue by approximately three billion baht, bolstering Thailand's airport development ambitions.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-07-30

 

 

[ozz1]

I guess with the duty free shops pulling out they need to raise the revenue from somewhere

[ukrules]

Just add a thousand Baht or two onto every arrival and departure - it's the same thing the rest of the world does.

If people stop coming and everyone goes bankrupt it can be reversed later prior to the 'recovery period'

In many countries they apply different rates depending on the distance of the flight, the UK does this and it's far more expensive - they also charge a lot extra in tax of varying types depending on whether it's an economy seat or not, and it gets expensive quick.

In the UK the government makes more money than the airlines do for many of the flights due to the taxes. Not saying it's a good thing as I hate taxes but this is consumption related do it's kind of optional.

[twizzian]

Off topic I know, but CAAT have just banned the use of all drones with serious consequences if caught! pending the outcome of the Thai/Cambodia skirmish..

[hotchilli]

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

In a bid to enhance airport operations, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) is anticipating a decision on increased Passenger Service Charges (PSC) by October. A significant hike could potentially add three billion baht to Airports of Thailand's (AOT) annual revenue

Another reason to not come here in favour of other cheaper Asian options

[sungod]

6 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

Another reason to not come here in favour of other cheaper Asian options

 

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

While a 100-baht increase remains speculative, the comprehensive study set for completion by October will precede a formal proposal to CAAT. Next steps involve presenting findings and investment plans before the Civil Aviation Board (CAB) approves any adjustment.

 

In the meantime, CAAT is proposing a modest five-baht-per-person increase to the CAB. 

 

Dont think it will break the bank if I'm reading it right. 

[TheFishman1]

Sure let’s charge more money TIT

[khunjeff]

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) is anticipating a decision on increased Passenger Service Charges (PSC) by October.

 

The major airports are run by AoT, and the small provincial airports by the Department of Airports. CAAT is a regulatory agency that doesn't operate airports, so why are they the ones pushing this? 

 

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The current PSC for outbound travellers, unchanged for years

 

It was raised a year ago, but why let facts get in the way of a good story? 

 

https://www.airportthai.co.th/en/aot-will-adjust-its-passenger-service-charge-psc-of-international-and-domestic-passenger/#

 

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

AOT's charge of 730 baht for international departures pales in comparison to regional rivals like Singapore’s Changi Airport

 

First of all, Changi provides far better service than BKK, so that's a foolish comparison. Also, they cherry-picked that example, since the PSC at BKK is higher than those in Seoul, Tokyo, KL, and Taipei, and similar to Hong Kong - and most of those airports  are much more passenger-friendly than Suvarnabhumi.

 

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

ACM Manat Chawanaprayoon, CAAT director, emphasised that becoming a regional aviation hub necessitates aligning PSC rates with realistic revenue and investment needs.

 

What a remarkable coincidence that this is exactly what Thaksin said in a speech a week ago...

 

https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3071305/thaksin-touts-golden-visa-higher-travel-fees-to-boost-thailand

[818Pilot]

In all my years living here, i don't know why I'm still shocked how the left hand doesn't talk to the right hand. 

 

TAT: We have no tourist, people aren't spending money, we need more people our numbers are down

 

AOT/CAAT: Let's raise fees for tourist coming to Thailand

 

It's like watching a really poorly written comedy show 

[lordgrinz]

1 hour ago, twizzian said:

Off topic I know, but CAAT have just banned the use of all drones with serious consequences if caught! pending the outcome of the Thai/Cambodia skirmish..

 

Flying a drone here is already regulated so much that its not worth purchasing one anyway, after looking at what's needed, and the limitations to how and where you can fly it.......it's just not worth it.

[Hardcastle P]

Funny how this coincides with a claim that Thailand is now a major hub for onward travel

 

[Will B Good]

17 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

At present, AOT's charge of 730 baht for international departures pales in comparison to regional rivals like Singapore’s Changi Airport, which charges around 1,400–1,500 baht.

 

Who pays this....the airlines?

[lordgrinz]

6 minutes ago, Will B Good said:

 

Who pays this....the airlines?

 

You do, its part of your ticket price.

[J Branche]

Got it Thailand.

Subsidize Trains in Bangkok.

Inflate charges for International Flights.

 

Quiet Thailand may start Dual Pricing at Fuel Stations were the cost are subsidized.

 

False, "At present, AOT's charge of 730 baht for international departures pales in comparison to regional rivals like Singapore’s Changi Airport, which charges around 1,400–1,500 baht."

 

Singapores Cost of living is 1.7x Bangkok

Rent, transportation, food ALL cost a lot more in Singapore. Equipment, labor all cost more.

 

How about an audit of the books, itemized expenses and cost.

 

Are you hiding something or think no one will notice?  Probably that foreigners have little ability to effect change in Thailand unless outside pressure from their home country is applied.

[Will B Good]

7 minutes ago, lordgrinz said:

 

You do, its part of your ticket price.

 

Oh I see.....I remember going to ticket machines to pay....thought I was getting away with something.

[AhFarangJa]

49 minutes ago, Will B Good said:

 

Oh I see.....I remember going to ticket machines to pay....thought I was getting away with something.

They scrapped the machines that we used after check in, and put it on the ticket price. However, at the same time they took advantage to raise it  50% from 500 Baht to 750 Baht.

[Will B Good]

4 minutes ago, AhFarangJa said:

They scrapped the machines that we used after check in, and put it on the ticket price. However, at the same time they took advantage to raise it  50% from 500 Baht to 750 Baht.

 

Never miss a trick.....555

[TroubleandGrumpy]

The problem the Thai Govt has had with all this BS in the past is that they do not want to apply the taxes on Thais.  Last time around the airlines and booking agencies told them to go fornicate themselves. They are not tax collection agencies who can decide who and who does not get the tax - it is either all or none.  They should just apply a small amount to all incoming and outgoing passengers, like the rest of the world does.  They then could allow Thais to claim it all back in their annual taxes, or through the customs duties refund locations at the airports. But this is Thailand and they always do it the 'obedient committee' way and inevitably totally screw it up up. All they have to do is ask the advice of all the  international travel experts (non-Thais) who offer their advice for a fee. But they just cannot accept that others know more - it is called 'losing face' and it is holding back Thailand (and all of SEAsia).      

[CLW]

Another nail in the coffin for Thai tourism and AOTs international airports as hubs in the region. People will fly to Singapore or Kuala Lumpur instead. Btw, these airports also offer a much better experience than Thai airports 

[Will B Good]

Just now, CLW said:

Another nail in the coffin for Thai tourism and AOTs international airports as hubs in the region. People will fly to Singapore or Kuala Lumpur instead. Btw, these airports also offer a much better experience than Thai airports 

 

 

....but hidden in the ticket price will anyone even twig?