AFTER Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT) announced an increase in the international departure passenger service charge (PSC) from 730 baht to 1,120 baht per person, effective June 20, 2026 onwards, it has been noted that Thailand thenceforth would be charging more than leading airports worldwide, Naewna newspaper said yesterday (Feb. 20).
The fee increase of 390 baht or 53% applies to all six AOT airports – Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Mae Fah Luang in Chiang Rai, Phuket and Hat Yai. However, the domestic PSC will remain unchanged at 130 baht per passenger.
Dr. Samart Ratchapolsitte, former deputy leader of the Democrat Party and former deputy governor of Bangkok, said in a Facebook post that the real question is not how much PST has been increased but what will passengers get in return for the extra money they pay.
A comparison of Thailand’s PSC with leading airports around the world shows that after the price adjustment, Suvarnabhumi Airport will be charging a higher fee than Incheon, Haneda, and Narita airports while raising concerns about a 7-10% increase in low-cost airfares.
“Shocking for passengers! Airport tax surges by 53%! What do you get for paying more?” he questioned.
More expensive than leading world-class airports
A comparison of last year’s PSC as ranked by Skytrax shows that Suvarnabhumi Airport’s PSC will be higher than many world-class airports, even though it only ranks 39th globally.
PSC at the world’s top six airports are as follows:
– Singapore’s Changi Airport (No. 1): approximately 1,600 baht;
– Qatar’s Hamad Airport (No. 2): approximately 600 baht;
– Japan’s Haneda Airport (No. 3): approximately 600 baht;
– South Korea’s Incheon Airport (No. 4): approximately 370 baht;
– Japan’s Narita Airport (No. 5): approximately 640 baht;
– Hong Kong’s Airport (No. 6): approximately 800 baht.
These figures show that Thailand is about to charge a PSC higher than five of the top six airports in the world. The question that follows is, “When paying world-class prices… What level of service will passengers receive?” Samart asked.
Impact: More expensive tickets, increased competition
PSC is added to the airfare. For low-cost flights lasting 4-5 hours, the average price is 4,000-5,000 baht. Adding another 390 baht to the PSC would increase ticket prices by 7-10% on every flight.
Potential impacts include higher travel costs to Thailand, decreased competitiveness in the tourism sector, tourists potentially choosing lower-cost destinations, and long-term negative impacts on the country’s tourism revenue.
“This isn’t just about Thai passengers; it affects the entire economic system,” he said.
AOT gains increased revenue but what will passengers get in return?
In principle, revenue from the PSC should be used to upgrade passenger services, such as:
(1) Improving facilities, including reducing immigration and security queues, faster baggage handling and retrieval systems, sufficient restrooms, seating, and passenger waiting areas, comprehensive and fast WiFi coverage, and developing fully functional Self Check-in and Biometrics systems.
(2) Upgrading security systems.
(3) Developing infrastructure, such as expanding passenger terminals, reducing congestion, increasing aircraft parking spaces, and resolving airport bottlenecks.
“If passengers see tangible improvements, I believe most will be happy to pay. However, their concern is whether the increased cost will actually be used to improve service, or simply become profit, bonuses, and dividends?” Samart pointed out.
Raising prices isn’t the problem if it can be proven to be “worth it to passengers,” he added.
CAPTIONS:
Top and Front Page – Suvarnabhumi Airport. Photos – NNT
First insert – Phuket International Airport. Photo – Amarin TV
Second insert – Dr. Samart Ratchapolsitte. Photo – Naewna
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