Airports of Thailand (AOT) announced on Friday that the passenger service charge (PSC) on outbound international travellers will rise to 1,120 baht per person from 730 baht from June 20, 2026.
The 53% increase will apply at the six airports run by the company: Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, Hat Yai, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. The domestic passenger fee remains unchanged at 130 baht, AOT said.
The Civil Aviation Board approved the change on Dec 3, 2025, AOT president Paweena Jariyathitipong said on Friday.
Studies used to support the decision indicate that the PSC — included in the final price of flight tickets — accounts for only a small proportion compared with airfare and other travel expenses, and is not expected to affect passengers’ overall travel decisions, she said.
AOT projects the increase will add about 13 billion baht to its revenue in fiscal 2027, to be used as investment capital for future projects. A key use of funds will be for a new South Terminal at Suvarnabhumi airport, a project valued at more than 200 billion baht.
The company stressed that revenue from the higher PSC is intended to help it improve its cost structure, reduce reliance on borrowing and interest burdens, and strengthen financial resilience rather than maximise profit.
The airport operator also noted that more than 90% of airports worldwide levy fees on both departing and transit/transfer passengers, while Thailand remains among a small minority — roughly 5% — that charges only departing passengers, thus limiting long‑term revenue potential.
Value for travellers?
Although AOT maintains that the PSC increase is in line with international practice, critics question whether passengers are getting value for money.
Former Democrat Party deputy leader Samart Ratchapolsitte questioned the rise, arguing the key issue is not the size of the increase but what passengers would receive in return.
He said that after the adjustment, the fee at Suvarnabhumi would exceed that at many of the world’s top‑rated hubs, even though Suvarnabhumi ranked only 39th in the latest Skytrax list.
He cited indicative PSC levels at leading airports: Singapore’s Changi (about 1,600 baht), Doha’s Hamad and Tokyo Haneda (600 baht), Seoul Incheon (370 baht), Tokyo Narita (640 baht) and Hong Kong (800 baht).
“If travellers pay at global levels, what service level will they get?” he asked.
Mr Samart warned the hike could push up airfares on low‑cost routes by 7–10% on typical four‑ to five‑hour flights priced at 4,000 to 5,000 baht, potentially eroding Thailand’s price competitiveness and diverting tourists to cheaper destinations. The broader concern could be the long‑term impact on the tourism economy.
He argued that PSC revenue should be transparently channelled into tangible service upgrades — shorter queues at immigration and security, faster baggage systems, adequate seating and toilets, reliable high‑speed Wi‑Fi, and fully functional self check‑in and biometrics — alongside enhanced security and expanded infrastructure to relieve 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.”
Source: Bangkok Post