Thailand Raises Airport Departure Tax to 1,120 Baht

If you are flying out of Thailand, your ticket is now a little more expensive. The Airports of Thailand (AOT) raised the international passenger service charge from 700 baht to 1,120 baht per person, effective June 20, 2026 — a 53% increase that applies to all departures from six AOT-operated airports.

Which airports are affected?

The new charge applies at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai (Mae Fah Luang), Phuket, and Hat Yai. In other words, virtually every major international gateway in Thailand is covered.

How does the charge work?

The passenger service charge is already built into your airline ticket price. Tickets issued on or after June 20 will include the higher 1,120 baht fee. If you purchased your ticket before that date, your original amount remains unchanged — no add-collect applies to existing bookings.

At current exchange rates the increase adds roughly 390 baht (around US$11 or A$17) to the cost of flying out of Thailand compared with what passengers paid before. AOT estimates the adjustment will generate approximately 10 billion baht per year in additional revenue, which is earmarked for airport infrastructure improvements and service upgrades across all six locations.

Regional context

Thailand’s new departure levy is now nearly double the equivalent charges in Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. That said, Thailand remains an extremely competitive destination from a cost perspective — accommodation, food, and activities continue to offer excellent value across the country. The departure tax is a one-off cost that most travellers will factor in alongside airfare and visa fees rather than letting it influence their destination choice.

What you should do

If you have not yet booked your outbound flight from Thailand, factor 1,120 baht per person into your budget. If you are already in Thailand on a ticket purchased before June 20, nothing changes for your departure. For planning your time in the country before you leave, our practical guides and city guides have everything you need to make the most of your trip.

One bright spot: AOT has committed the new revenue specifically to airport improvements, so travellers flying through Suvarnabhumi, Phuket, and Chiang Mai should see tangible infrastructure benefits over the coming years.