Quick summary
Thailand will increase its international departure tax by 53% from June 20, 2026, raising the passenger service charge from 730 baht to 1,120 baht (approximately A$50/NZ$53) at six major airports including Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, and Chiang Rai. The fee applies to all international outbound travelers regardless of nationality and will be automatically included in ticket prices.
The increase adds roughly A$17/NZ$18 per person to return journey costs compared to current rates. Revenue funds airport infrastructure upgrades including Suvarnabhumi’s new South Terminal, with no exemptions available for any traveler category.
Thailand’s Civil Aviation Board approved the departure tax increase on December 3, 2025, in a decision chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn. The new rate takes effect for all departures from June 20, 2026 onwards.
The fee increase affects six airports: Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang, plus Phuket, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, and Chiang Rai. Domestic flights remain unchanged at 130 baht.
Travelers booking flights to Thailand from Australasia should factor the additional cost into return journey budgets. The charge appears automatically in ticket prices—no separate airport payment is required.
How the revenue will be used
Airports of Thailand (AOT) projects the increase will generate 13 billion baht in additional revenue during fiscal year 2027. The funds are ring-fenced for specific infrastructure projects, not profit.
Major investments include Suvarnabhumi’s new South Terminal, valued at over 200 billion baht, plus terminal upgrades at Don Mueang and the Satellite Terminal 1 expansion. AOT states the revenue reduces reliance on borrowing while maintaining service quality and safety standards.
Thailand’s tourism rebound drives the infrastructure need. International passenger volumes continue growing, requiring expanded capacity at hub airports. The fee structure aligns with global norms—over 90% of airports worldwide charge both departing and transit passengers, while Thailand currently charges only departing travelers.
Transit fees coming next
AOT plans to propose passenger service charges for transit and transfer passengers in a future phase. Currently, travelers connecting through Thai airports pay no fees. The proposal aims to reflect actual service costs and improve transit facilities, though no timeline or rates have been announced.
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What the increase means in practice
At current exchange rates, 1,120 baht equals approximately A$50, NZ$53, US$32, or €30. The previous 730 baht fee was roughly A$33/NZ$35.
The charge applies per outbound international flight. A return journey from Sydney to Bangkok adds A$17/NZ$18 to your total trip cost compared to bookings departing before June 20, 2026.
Airlines automatically include the fee in published fares. You won’t see it as a separate line item at airport check-in. When comparing ticket prices across carriers or booking platforms, the total displayed price already incorporates the passenger service charge.
No exemptions exist for any nationality, fare class, or traveler category. The fee is regulated by Thailand’s Civil Aviation Authority and applies uniformly. Understanding broader factors driving flight costs to Asia helps contextualize this increase within overall pricing trends.
What to do
Book return flights departing Thailand before June 20, 2026 to avoid the increased fee if your travel dates allow flexibility.
When searching fares for post-June departures, use flight comparison tools like Google Flights or Kayak and sort by total price including all taxes. The passenger service charge varies by airline markup practices.
For multi-city itineraries, compare routing options. Departing via airports outside AOT’s network (such as connecting through Kuala Lumpur or Singapore) may offer different total costs, though flight time and convenience trade-offs apply.
Verify fee inclusion when booking directly through airline websites. Check fare rules for any tickets purchased before June 20, 2026, for travel after that date—some advance bookings may lock in old rates depending on ticketing terms.
Before traveling, review Thailand’s customs regulations to avoid unexpected fines that compound trip costs.
Questions? Answers.
Does this affect connecting passengers transiting through Bangkok?
Not currently. The 1,120 baht fee applies only to outbound international departures. AOT has announced plans to propose charges for transit and transfer passengers in future, but no timeline or rates have been set. Monitor Civil Aviation Authority announcements for updates.
Can I pay the old rate if I book my ticket before June 20, 2026?
It depends on airline ticketing policies. The fee applies to departure date, not booking date. Some carriers may honor rates at time of ticketing for advance purchases, but most will adjust fees to match the departure date. Check fare rules with your specific airline before purchasing.
Which airlines flying from Thailand are affected?
All carriers operating international departures from the six AOT airports—including Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, AirAsia, Singapore Airlines, Qantas, and Emirates. The fee is airport-based, not airline-specific, so every international outbound flight from Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, or Chiang Rai includes the charge.
Are there any airports in Thailand not affected by this increase?
Yes. The increase applies only to the six airports operated by Airports of Thailand: Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, Bangkok Don Mueang, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, and Chiang Rai. Smaller regional airports managed by other authorities maintain separate fee structures, though most international traffic uses AOT facilities.
