Thai airports to raise passenger service charge

[ezzra]

It isn't the 100 or 500 baht that concerns me. It is the 4.5+ billion baht (100 baht airport charge paid by more than 45 million travelers including domestic) and 12.5 billion baht medical tax paid by 25 million tourists. That's 17+ billion baht from those increases and where will it go?

To prop up populist schemes like the rice, rubber and first time car buyers pledge, and now submarines,

fast trains to nowhere etc. etc. and where do you get it quickly from? the foreigners of course...

[pomchop]

Does this mean when you fly into bkk now that you might actually get to USE one of the jetways sitting vacant rather than walk down steps to board a crowded bouncy bus to take you to the terminal? If the fees to use a jetway are so high that it is cheaper for airlines to buy and run buses then maybe the jetway fees need to be looked at?

[NanLaew]

Does this mean when you fly into bkk now that you might actually get to USE one of the jetways sitting vacant rather than walk down steps to board a crowded bouncy bus to take you to the terminal? If the fees to use a jetway are so high that it is cheaper for airlines to buy and run buses then maybe the jetway fees need to be looked at?

I thought the last of the jetway avoiders left when AirAsia buggered off to DMK.

What cheap-arsed airline are you flying with these days?

[NanLaew]

I learned very early in life not to worry or concern myself with things I have no control over, lends itself to a stress free existence.

That's just as bad as saying 'mai pen rai' to everything. Sounds like a Thai 'apathetic' attitude. And that's one reason why it's still an undeveloped country. Not assertive or proactive at all...except when it comes to grabbing money from 'foreigners'.

Hey mochafarang, where's your saffron shades dude?

[qdinthailand]

Thailand just becomes a bigger and bigger ripoff of everyone who comes here. The greed that governs this country is gone wild.

Yeah, I guess I have to cut back 1 large Singha every time I use the airport. Those bastards - depriving me of my beer money.

[lomatopo]

Some regional PSC'es, all in THB

RGN 315

SIN 865

KUL 650

SGN 625

TPE 320

ICN 830

PEK 470

NRT 820

HKG 485

[Andre0720]

Anyone thinking this will make living more expensive here, should consider spending a bit of time in my home country....

[John71]

Infliation, "The illusion you are getting more, when you are actually getting less" is everywhere,

I'd hardly say $3 is a huge increase, for the average person who wants to travel. After all, how many times per year is the average person going to be effected ?

If you're having trouble with airport taxes, don't fly.

Want things to be like Thailand was 30 years ago, but with ATM machines and 3G, move to Cambodia, where all sorts of things, like opening bank accounts with ATM/VISA Cards, owning and running a business, in your name, is so much easier.

Hurry while it lasts.

[Alwyn]

"AOT Chairman Sita Divari anticipated the increase in light of continued positive sentiment" He obviously doesn't read the TV forums! But the cost is being raised to reflect the true operating costs, he tell us in once sentence. A bit further he informs us that AOT is sitting on 38 billion baht in cash!!Nice... So it's only 100 baht but how many people fly in and out og BKK each year? I read 24 million..... 24 million lot's of "only" 100 baht is a nice little touch! Ultimately though the business of a business is to make money for shareholders and that's what they're doing (in light of continued positive sentiment)

[boggle]

Does this mean when you fly into bkk now that you might actually get to USE one of the jetways sitting vacant rather than walk down steps to board a crowded bouncy bus to take you to the terminal? If the fees to use a jetway are so high that it is cheaper for airlines to buy and run buses then maybe the jetway fees need to be looked at?

I thought the last of the jetway avoiders left when AirAsia buggered off to DMK.

What cheap-arsed airline are you flying with these days?

I flew Thai last month out and in both times bussed to and from the plane. As I rememeber two month previous was the same. And this is the national carrier.

Thai a cheap-arsed airline? Go figure.

[Samaaw]

Next will come the 500 Baht entry tax (been discussed in parliament) & there is some discussions about property tax (inc condos) on a yearly basis.....

Writing is on the wall - it will just get worse once this ball starts rolling

[richard_smith237]

Does this mean when you fly into bkk now that you might actually get to USE one of the jetways sitting vacant rather than walk down steps to board a crowded bouncy bus to take you to the terminal? If the fees to use a jetway are so high that it is cheaper for airlines to buy and run buses then maybe the jetway fees need to be looked at?

I thought the last of the jetway avoiders left when AirAsia buggered off to DMK.

What cheap-arsed airline are you flying with these days?

I flew Thai last month out and in both times bussed to and from the plane. As I rememeber two month previous was the same. And this is the national carrier.

Thai a cheap-arsed airline? Go figure.

I too get fed up with the number of times I take a bus-gate instead of an air-gate (about 50% of flights recently, none of them budget).

I was out drinking with a Thai friend a few months back. One of his freinds had something to do with the Planning at the airport. I quizzed him about the lack of Air-gate transfers complaining that many of my flights (Etihad, Thai, Singapore Airlines etc) have used buses for airside transport.

His response: Many of the Operators have a gate booked - Thus upon arrival or departure the many free gates that look available will be utilised within the next few hours for arriving planes (I'm guessing that a plane takes up about 4 hours of gate time).

I suspect a bit of pisspoor planning also comes into it, as may the Kraeng-jai factor where a boss outlines a flawed plan and everyone else to too frightened to offer a counter suggestion or improvement.

As to the 100B increase - I don't see it as a big deal - like anywhere else costs increase and services improve. I just hope that the services improve and the additional revenue doesn't get syphoned off.

As to the suggested 500B insurance scheme - I also agree with that. Tourists without insurance are a burden. If you already have medical insurance then I see no need to pay this and don't think it will be charged. In short, you really shouldn't in country without adequate medical coverage (but this is off topic anyway).

[Estrada]

Reminder to self: Must buy more shares in A.O.T.

[mancub]

I learned very early in life not to worry or concern myself with things I have no control over, lends itself to a stress free existence.

That's just as bad as saying 'mai pen rai' to everything. Sounds like a Thai 'apathetic' attitude. And that's one reason why it's still an undeveloped country. Not assertive or proactive at all...except when it comes to grabbing money from 'foreigners'.

I think you missed the 'things I have no control over' bit.

Guess you don't venture onto the roads then ?

[barryofthailand]

What you have to realize is that Thailand is a money hungry country. This country is not really tourist or expat friendly. I've been living here going on eleven yrs. now, and when I first moved here it was very reasonable. Even the one yr. visa extensions were only 500 Baht a yr. The Philippines is now a much better deal for long term expats. They will give you an immigrant visa for $50.00 and good for five yrs. and the yearly fees is $8.00 a yr. Back when I moved here If the Philippines would have been as safe as Thailand I would have moved there. Today they have made much improvements on safety, and I have any friends that live there now. Too late for myself as I am established here for many yrs. with a Thai wife and a beautiful home, but for single expats it's worth checking out. The exchange rate in the Philippines is also much better than Thailand.

Barry

[Matthew2027]

Thailand just becomes a bigger and bigger ripoff of everyone who comes here. The greed that governs this country is gone wild.

Gee, Cost of an airfare.....can't afford a modest 100thb or so, = Can't afford to come on holidays.. stay home.

[stopthegreed]

Forget about this charge.

Its about Thailand as a whole.

i dont know why people keep comparing it with US and Uk, it is niether of these countries, its Thailand end of !!

When I came to live here 9 years ago, it was cheap, and I used to compare it with the UK, but I stopped doing that a while ago.

I live in Thailand, so I do everything by the Baht, not the pound or dollar.

And Thailand has become a rather expensive place to live now,.

It is a great place to live, and if I were asked would I consider living elswhere, the answer would definately be YES,

In fact I am on the look out now. Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar. All so much cheaper than here.

Do not say that these countries can not compare to Thailand especialy the infrestrure, because I first holidayed in Thailand 25 years ago, and it was the same then, when I go to these other countries, I notice that I am spending about a third less, and getting all I want.

A bit like Thailand was all those years ago.

So in a nutshell it has become a rather expensive place, compared to its neighbours.

[theoldgit]

The PSC in the UK ranges from £13 to £188 depending on distance and class of travel so 800bt seems quite a bargain.

The PSC, which is levied by the airport to cover the cost of running the airport, is in the region of £30 - £40.

The APD is far higher and is simply a government tax which goes straight to the treasury.

[Satayu]

I'm a little confused ? Are these airport taxes already in place ? And if so are they already included in the ticket price as I have been in and out of Suvarnabhumi, three times the last month and I've not had to pay any hard cash.

[hanno]

Forget about this charge.

Its about Thailand as a whole.

i dont know why people keep comparing it with US and Uk, it is niether of these countries, its Thailand end of !!

When I came to live here 9 years ago, it was cheap, and I used to compare it with the UK, but I stopped doing that a while ago.

I live in Thailand, so I do everything by the Baht, not the pound or dollar.

And Thailand has become a rather expensive place to live now,.

It is a great place to live, and if I were asked would I consider living elswhere, the answer would definately be YES,

In fact I am on the look out now. Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar. All so much cheaper than here.

Do not say that these countries can not compare to Thailand especialy the infrestrure, because I first holidayed in Thailand 25 years ago, and it was the same then, when I go to these other countries, I notice that I am spending about a third less, and getting all I want.

A bit like Thailand was all those years ago.

So in a nutshell it has become a rather expensive place, compared to its neighbours.

Vietnam has become pretty expensive, at least in the cities. In Myanmar the rents are a killer. Cambodia is still very cheap.

[captspectre]

Thailand just becomes a bigger and bigger ripoff of everyone who comes here. The greed that governs this country is gone wild.

it's not the Thai's it's the silly tourist that come here for what ever reason! if you can't afford the trip, STAY HOME!

[saroq]

Thailand just becomes a bigger and bigger ripoff of everyone who comes here. The greed that governs this country is gone wild.

Yeah its gone up a whole 100 Baht where will it end

OMG people are going to have to spend a whole 100 or 200 baht extra per flight. Guess it'll be a choice between giving up a beer or that extra Viagra pill for some readers.

[BradinAsia]

Thailand just becomes a bigger and bigger ripoff of everyone who comes here. The greed that governs this country is gone wild.

The negativity here sometimes is over the top.

If prices go up in the U.S. or U.K., do we condemn the entire country for being a rip-off.

I think the airport fee here should be raised to 1,500 baht. Maybe that would keep out some of the riff-raff.

Just my 2 baht worth...

Edited October 25, 2013 by BradinAsia

[richard_smith237]

Forget about this charge.

Its about Thailand as a whole.

i dont know why people keep comparing it with US and Uk, it is niether of these countries, its Thailand end of !!

When I came to live here 9 years ago, it was cheap, and I used to compare it with the UK, but I stopped doing that a while ago.

I live in Thailand, so I do everything by the Baht, not the pound or dollar.

And Thailand has become a rather expensive place to live now,.

It is a great place to live, and if I were asked would I consider living elswhere, the answer would definately be YES,

In fact I am on the look out now. Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar. All so much cheaper than here.

Do not say that these countries can not compare to Thailand especialy the infrestrure, because I first holidayed in Thailand 25 years ago, and it was the same then, when I go to these other countries, I notice that I am spending about a third less, and getting all I want.

A bit like Thailand was all those years ago.

So in a nutshell it has become a rather expensive place, compared to its neighbours.

I disagree - At any time we have the opportunity to move back to our home countries. The costs involved with living in Thailand are amongst the many factors involved when choosing to live and remain in the Kingdom. Thus: for some, myself included the comparisons with the UK etc are highly valid.

Equally so, as you have suggested the comparisons with neighbouring countries are equally valid.

We're all here for our individual reasons and without doubt for many costs compared to home or neighbouring countries are factor.

There... now you know why...

[wilcopops]

Particularly nasty and sneaky charge this, just pick a little more out of people's pockets - which many will be completely unaware of.

Although when one thinks of the numbers of people passing through the airport per annum, I'm sure it adds up to a substantial amount, I think again it says more about the attitude and image that Thailand presents to the world than any real benefits to either owners or customers.

[sandhurstmolonski]

Thailand just becomes a bigger and bigger ripoff of everyone who comes here. The greed that governs this country is gone wild.

Yeah its gone up a whole 100 Baht where will it end

The two week millionaires love to brag "100 baht means nothing to me"

As another poster pointed out the 100 baht increase along with the proposed 500 baht "Medical Fee (whatever) is about an 86% increase in fees.

Amazing Thailand, the more expensive the place becomes, the more people gush about how cheap it is.

And the more visitors eager to visit.

Ah heck, why not: raise prices, beat them up and they will come

Beam me up Scotty...

I agree with the Sentiment here , Its not just a Bottomless Hit , and One should never look at as " Its Just 100 Barht " ..That Simplistic .

Like The Stupid Farang Aussie , I saw in Phuket " Tipping " a Gattoy $50 Aud ...$50 ?? , This is exactly why the Authorities Tend to Believe its a Bottomless pit . Think in the Currency is which you Reside , Dont always Convert ..You are then simply looking at an Exchange rate , Not the Local Currency .

[louse1953]

The PSC in the UK ranges from £13 to £188 depending on distance and class of travel so 800bt seems quite a bargain.

But the UK is not competing with Thailand for visitors; Thailand is competing with countries like Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, the Philippines and now Myanmar.

and you think it will make a difference ... get real. Would 100 Baht stop you coming?

I think you did not read my entire post: of course 100 Baht won't stop me coming. But add the proposed "insurance" payment (and I am actually insured worldwide) and the general rise in prices and then Thailand certainly is not the bargain it used to be. I am in Thailand pretty much every month and a meal in a good restaurant and with the imported beer or two is certainly more expensive than in the neighboring countries.

All that to support the failed rice scheme I guess

You guessed wrong.It's to reflect rising costs at airports.It's called inflation and happens all over the world.

[louse1953]

600 baht to some Thais is 2 days pay ! Could you imagine the reaction if they charged the average tourust the equivalent of 2 days of their pay ?

Irrelivant,people that earn the minimum wage in Thailand will not be flying anywhere.

[samran]

The PSC in the UK ranges from £13 to £188 depending on distance and class of travel so 800bt seems quite a bargain.

But the UK is not competing with Thailand for visitors; Thailand is competing with countries like Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, the Philippines and now Myanmar.

....who still for a large part transit through Bangkok for a few days generally, so this is a good move by Thailand to raise revenues.

People, apart from a few whingers here, aren't price sensitive to these type of rises. If you are shelling out $1200 for an airfare, another $3 isn't going to be a deal breaker.

Now, the reason for raising the revenues is suspect, given the price guarantees for rice and rubber blowing a hole in the budget, and taking away from much needed funding to expand an already over capacity airport, but is this a good effective way to raise revenue without a significant drop off in visitors? You betchya

Edited October 25, 2013 by samran

[hanno]

You guessed wrong.It's to reflect rising costs at airports.It's called inflation and happens all over the world.

Didn't know that increasing taxes on alcohol had anything to do with inflation. Or the proposed visitors' fee...