Airports in Thailand to hike departure tax

Only a few days after Thailand’s Government released information that they are planning to impose a fee on foreigners entering the country from January 2014, a board meeting of Airports of Thailand (AOT) on October 24 approved an increase to its passenger departure charge for domestic and international flights.

Subject to approval from the Department of Civil Aviation, the departure charge for international flights will rise to THB800 from THB700, and to THB200 from THB100 for domestic flights.

The reason for the increased passenger tax has been put down to increased costs, while AoT also needed to improve its facilities and services. It was added that recognition of the need to protect the tourist sector had led to a restriction, in percentage terms, of the rise in the charge for international passengers.

The new fees will apply at all airports operated by the AoT when approved, including Chiang Mai, Hat Yai and Phuket international airports.

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