Phuket among six airports affected as B5,050 flight charge is questioned
A Thai actor's B5,050 flight charge included airline surcharges and airport fees, while a separate proposed B1,000 departure tax remains under consultation.
Phuket is among six Airports of Thailand (AOT)-operated airports covered by an increase in international passenger charges, as a Thai actor's B5,050 flight charge prompted confusion over a separate proposed departure tax.
The Thaiger reported that actor Duke Phanudet Watnasuchart questioned the amount on 9 October 2026 after booking a December flight from Bangkok to Vientiane, Laos. His latest booking listed a B7,040 base fare and a further B5,050 under “Airport Departure Tax”, bringing the total to B12,090.
Duke had previously paid about B2,365 in combined taxes and fees for the same route, according to Thai media reports. The difference led to speculation that Thailand's proposed B1,000 air departure tax had already been introduced.
However, a detailed breakdown reported by Thai media showed that the B5,050 comprised B2,650 in airline-imposed charges and B2,400 in airport taxes and other fees. The airline charges included a B2,300 YQAC surcharge and another B350 airline fee.
The remaining fees included Thailand's B1,120 international passenger service charge, a B510 airport fee, a B650 border clearance charge, and B120 for passenger information and international travel processing.
AOT increased its international passenger service charge from B730 to B1,120 on 20 June 2026. The higher charge applies to international departures from six AOT-operated airports, including Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang and Phuket. Because the increase was already in effect during Duke's August trip, it does not by itself account for the full difference between the bookings.
Thailand's separate proposal for a B1,000 departure tax on all nationalities travelling abroad by air remains under consideration. The Revenue Department opened a public consultation on 30 September 2026, with feedback accepted until 29 October 2026. The proposal has not been approved and was not included in Duke's booking.
The Thai Hotels Association has opposed the proposed tax, warning that additional travel charges could discourage international visitors and affect Thailand's tourism competitiveness.
