Airports of Thailand (AOT) raised its International Passenger Service Charge (PSC) from 730 baht to 1,120 baht per person on 20 June 2026. The increase applies to every international departure from six major airports and represents a 53% rise on the previous rate. Domestic routes are unaffected - the domestic PSC remains at 130 baht.
Separately, the Tourism and Sports Ministry announced plans for a new tourist landing fee above 300 baht (around USD 8–9) per person for air arrivals, as reported by Khaosod English on 21 May 2026. No implementation date has been set and the amount has not been formally legislated - authorities are working through the collection mechanism, expected to operate through airlines.
Which airports are affected by the departure tax
The higher PSC covers Suvarnabhumi (BKK), Don Mueang (DMK), Phuket International (HKT), Chiang Mai (CNX), Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai (CEI), and Hat Yai (HDY). Any international flight departing from these airports on or after 20 June carries the updated charge.
How the departure charge appears on your booking
The PSC is bundled into the ticket price by airlines at the time of sale - it is not collected separately at the check-in counter. Tickets issued on or after 20 June 2026 include the 1,120 baht PSC automatically. Passengers who purchased tickets before 20 June retain the original 730 baht rate for those bookings.
If you are travelling on multiple separate tickets out of Thailand, the PSC applies on each departing leg. Check your fare breakdown if you have a complex itinerary.
Why AOT raised the charge
AOT says the additional revenue - estimated at approximately 10 billion baht per year - will fund the expansion of Suvarnabhumi’s eastern terminal and the third phase of Don Mueang’s development, alongside security improvements and passenger processing enhancements at major gateways. The projects are designed to lift the six-airport network to a combined capacity of 180 million passengers annually by 2034, timed to support Thailand’s target of 36.7 million foreign visitors in 2026. Current peak-hour congestion at both Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang has drawn criticism from industry analysts, including the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), which publicly questioned whether cost increases were being matched by visible service improvements.
The proposed tourist landing fee
The landing fee is separate from the PSC and would apply on arrival rather than departure. If enacted, it would similarly be folded into airfare. The funds would be directed toward a tourism development and insurance fund intended to cover foreign visitors who are injured or require emergency assistance in Thailand. No implementation date has been confirmed as of the date of this article.
Budget impact for travellers
The PSC increase alone adds approximately 390 baht (around USD 11) per person versus the old rate. For a family of four on a return journey, that is roughly 7,760 baht extra (around USD 215 at current exchange) compared with the previous rate. That figure compounds when combined with fuel surcharges Thai Airways and other carriers have raised this year - see our coverage of the May flight cuts for full surcharge figures. We have updated our Thailand budget guide to reflect the changes.
The Thai Cabinet also voted on 19 May 2026 to reduce visa-free stays from 60 to 30 days for more than 90 nationalities - that change took effect approximately mid-June after publication in the Royal Gazette. We have a full breakdown in our Thailand visa guide.
What this means now
Every new international ticket booked from Thailand already includes 1,120 baht in the quoted fare. For travellers passing through Bangkok, our Bangkok city hub covers transport options from Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang. Those flying via Phuket will find current arrival and transfer information on our Phuket island guide. Travellers on extended stays using the Digital Thailand Visa (DTV, permitting up to 180 days) should factor the higher departure charge into their overall cost planning.
The combined effect of these changes - shorter stays without a visa, higher airport charges, and a potential arrival levy - means Thailand costs more to visit in 2026 than it did in 2024. The core destinations remain excellent value relative to Europe and North America, but check updated costs when booking. Comparing Thailand flights across carriers can help offset the higher airport charges with competitive base fares.