Airports of Thailand (AOT) has confirmed a sharp increase in the passenger service charge (PSC) for outbound international travellers, with the fee set to rise from 730 baht to 1,120 baht per person from June 20, 2026.
The new rate — an increase of about 53% — will be applied across all six airports operated by AOT: Suvarnabhumi Airport, Don Mueang International Airport, Phuket International Airport, Hat Yai International Airport, Chiang Mai International Airport and Chiang Rai International Airport.
Domestic passenger charges will remain unchanged at 130 baht.
AOT president Paweena Jariyathitipong said the adjustment was approved by the Civil Aviation Board on Dec 3, 2025.
She said studies supporting the move found that the PSC — which is included in the final ticket price — represents only a small portion of total travel costs and is unlikely to influence passengers’ decisions.
The airport operator estimates the higher fee will generate around 13 billion baht in additional revenue in fiscal 2027.
The funds are intended to support long-term investment, including the construction of a new South Terminal at Suvarnabhumi Airport, a project valued at more than 200 billion baht.
AOT stressed that the increase is aimed at strengthening its financial position, reducing reliance on borrowing and easing interest burdens, rather than maximising profit.
AOT also pointed to international norms, noting that more than 90% of airports worldwide charge fees on both departing and transit or transfer passengers.
Thailand, it said, remains among a small minority — about 5% — that levies charges only on departing travellers, limiting long-term revenue potential.
Despite the operator’s assurances, the decision has drawn criticism over whether passengers will see commensurate improvements.
Samart Ratchapolsitte, a former Democrat Party deputy leader, said the key issue was not the size of the increase but the value delivered in return.
He noted that after the adjustment, Suvarnabhumi’s PSC would exceed that of many leading global hubs, despite the airport ranking only 39th in the latest Skytrax list.
He cited indicative charges at major airports, including Singapore’s Changi at about 1,600 baht, Doha’s Hamad and Tokyo Haneda at around 600 baht, Seoul Incheon at 370 baht, Tokyo Narita at 640 baht and Hong Kong at roughly 800 baht.
“If travellers pay at global levels, what service level will they get?” he asked.
Mr Samart warned that the higher PSC could push up fares on low-cost routes by 7–10% for typical four- to five-hour flights priced at 4,000 to 5,000 baht, potentially undermining Thailand’s price competitiveness and diverting tourists to cheaper destinations.
He added that the broader concern was the long-term impact on the tourism sector.
He argued that revenue from the PSC should be clearly and transparently invested in service upgrades.
These should include shorter queues at immigration and security, faster baggage handling, adequate seating and toilets, reliable high-speed Wi-Fi, fully functional self check-in and biometric systems, as well as improved security and expanded infrastructure to ease congestion.
“If passengers can clearly see improvements, I believe most are willing to pay,” Mr Samart said.
“In short, higher prices are not the problem, provided they deliver value for passengers.”
