If you have a vacation to Bangkok, Phuket, or Chiang Mai in your future, you need to be prepared for an unexpected change in your budget. The Civil Aviation Board and Airports of Thailand (AOT) have just officially issued the approval of a 53% increase in the PSC (Passenger Service Charge) for international flights. The Thailand airport departure tax will increase from the 730 THB rate (historical) to a fixed amount of THB 1,120 per person from 20th June 2026.
The policy change affects all international travellers who pass through Thailand’s six major air hubs at its border gates. But don’t expect to face long lines at the terminal when paying this fee in cash. This is all you need to know about the airport tax, how it’s related to ticket prices, and what this change means for you.
What is the New THB 1,120 Thailand Airport Departure Tax?
The new Thailand airport departure tax, THB 1,120, is an obligatory infrastructure and security levy. This fee is collected by Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT) and must be paid for all international departures, irrespective of nationality, cabin class, and frequent flyer status.
AOT Hubs Enforcing the THB 1,120 Rate:
- Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
- Bangkok Don Mueang International (DMK)
- Phuket International Airport (HKT)
- Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX)
- Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai International (CEI)
- Hat Yai International Airport (HDY)
The extra income will be used to improve automated Common Use Passenger Processing Systems (CUPPS) and major terminal expansion projects, such as the huge new South Terminal at Suvarnabhumi, says AOT president Paweena Jariyathitipong. Critics say the new rate will make it more expensive to leave Bangkok than other hubs such as Haneda airport in Tokyo or Incheon in South Korea, but it is set to remain for mid-2026.
How to Check If Airport Tax Is Included in Ticket Bookings
This is the most important piece of information that travelers need to know: this fee is part of your airfare when you book. Airlines are serving as collection agents and collect the PSC at the time of ticketing and pass it on directly to the Thai government.
If you want to know whether the airport tax is paid in receipts or not, you can check for your compliance as follows:
1. Locate the Tax and Fee Breakdown On Your E-Ticket
If you get your official PDF booking confirmation or e-ticket receipt, skip over the base fare line. Navigate to a sub-section under “Taxes, Fees, and Surcharges” or “Airfare Breakdown. International airlines use IATA (International Air Transport Association) universal codes to break down individual Airport taxes, such as “TS” or “G8”. The Thailand airport departure tax will be listed on your receipt as “TS” (Passenger Service Charge) or “G8”.
- For Tickets Issued Before June 20, 2026: The itemized breakdown will display THB 730 (or its equivalent in your home currency).
- For Tickets Issued On or After June 20, 2026: The itemized breakdown will automatically display the new THB 1,120 rate.
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Navigating the Transition: What If You Already Booked Your Flight?
June 20 is a special early-bird planning opportunity. The actual day a ticket is issued depends on how your airline handles the price difference.
Tickets Purchased Before the Announcement
For those who booked months ago before the June 20th cut-off with an economy or premium ticket, the price of their airfare was based on the old THB 730 framework. The majority of the major legacy carriers end up accepting the minor pricing difference of THB 390 (~$11 USD) as a goodwill gesture.
Budget Carriers and Post-June Bookings
On the other hand, value-based budget airlines might also send electronic reminders to adjust a minor amount of tax before check-in. For the future, any new flight search that you start on any of the comparison websites will automatically show the new THB 1,120 Thailand airport departure tax included in your quote.
FAQs
Does the THB 1,120 departure tax apply to domestic flights inside Thailand?
No. The 53% increase applies strictly to outbound international flights. The domestic Passenger Service Charge at AOT-managed airports remains unchanged at its baseline rate of THB 130 per person to protect local tourism.
Do transit or transfer passengers have to pay the new fee?
Currently, transit passengers connecting through Bangkok to a third country do not pay the departure tax. However, AOT has signaled that a separate transit passenger service charge proposal is under review for late 2026.
Can I get a refund on the airport departure tax if I cancel my flight?
Yes. Because the THB 1,120 Thailand airport departure tax is only remitted to the government if you actually board the plane, it is fully refundable. If you cancel a non-refundable ticket, you are still legally entitled to a full refund of the itemized “TS” or “G8” tax components.
