Jakarta. Travelers flying out of Thailand will face higher airport charges starting June 20, 2026, after the country’s airport operator raised its passenger service charge (PSC) for international departures.

Airports of Thailand (AOT) will increase the PSC to 1,120 baht (approx. $34.38) per person, up from 730 baht previously. The new tariff will apply at six major airports under AOT’s management: Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang in Bangkok, as well as Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, and Hat Yai.

The fee hike was approved in principle by Thailand’s Civil Aviation Board in December 2025, with final implementation scheduled for mid-2026 pending ministerial sign-off. The adjustment is expected to significantly boost AOT’s revenue, with projections pointing to an additional 13 billion baht annually starting fiscal 2027.

AOT said the higher charge will help finance large-scale airport expansion and modernization projects, including the planned South Terminal development at Suvarnabhumi Airport, a project valued at more than 200 billion baht. The funding strategy is also aimed at reducing reliance on debt financing and lowering long-term interest costs.

Beyond the departure fee increase, AOT is also reviewing plans to introduce PSC charges for transit and transfer passengers, a common practice globally but not yet implemented in Thailand. Officials noted that more than 90% of airports worldwide already impose such fees, while Thailand currently collects PSC only from departing passengers, limiting its revenue base.

Despite the higher charge, passengers will not need to pay separately at the airport, as the PSC will be automatically included in ticket prices at the time of booking.

The policy effectively raises the cost of leaving Thailand on international flights, a factor that may slightly increase overall travel expenses for outbound passengers, including Indonesian tourists returning home.

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