The Democrat Party's deputy spokesperson criticized the Airports of Thailand (AOT) for raising airport fees by 50%, causing higher ticket prices, and pointed out that despite AOT's annual profits of 18 billion baht, the burden is being shifted onto the public.
On 20 Sep 2026 GMT+7 at the Democrat Party headquarters, Mr. Jirawat Changwat, the party's deputy spokesperson, addressed the issue of the Airports of Thailand (AOT) increasing the Passenger Service Charge (PSC), effective since 20 June 2026. The fee rose from 730 baht to 1,120 baht—a nearly 50% increase of over 300 baht—at six major airports under AOT's management, including Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Rai, Hat Yai, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. He stated that this sharp increase severely impacts Thailand's goal to become a regional aviation hub, aiming to accommodate tourists and transit passengers from distant regions like the Middle East and Australia, connecting onward to neighboring countries such as Cambodia, Myanmar, and Vietnam.
According to comparative data on airport fees within ASEAN, Thailand previously ranked fifth in Passenger Service Charges. However, with the current increase to 1,120 baht, Thailand immediately rose to second place in the region, surpassed only by Singapore’s Changi Airport, which is ranked first globally. In contrast, Thai airports are ranked between 20th and nearly 30th worldwide, a disparity that does not align with the quality and level of services provided.
Highlights the increased burden on the public.
Mr. Jirawat added that AOT's average annual net profit exceeds 18 billion baht, so there is no justification for shifting the burden onto Thai citizens and tourists by raising the PSC by 50%. The Democrat Party therefore calls on the government and AOT to reconsider and set the fee increase at a reasonable level. Additionally, they urge close monitoring of the Department of Airports' management of its 10% share of the additional fee revenue to ensure that funds are properly and appropriately used for airport development. The party emphasized the desire to see the Department of Airports fully realize its potential as Thailand's economic gateway and a genuine regional aviation hub, requiring proper and sustainable development as well as cost structures that attract tourists in line with service quality.