M’sians Departing from Thailand via 6 Major Airports Now Have to Pay Up to RM95 Service Charge

It’s no secret that we Malaysians love to travel to our neighbouring country Thailand. In fact, did you know that tourists from Malaysia made up the largest number of foreign travellers to Thailand last year?

According to Thailand’s overall 2023 tourism statistics shared by the country’s Tourism and Sports Ministry, 4,626,422 Malaysians visited Thailand last year, a staggering 16% of the total 28.09 million foreign visitors who visited the Land of Smiles last year. 

With that in mind, there is a slight change being imposed by the airport authority in Thailand that would affect some Malaysians travelling in the country.

The passenger service charges at Thailand’s 6 main airports are now up to RM95

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As reported by the Thai-based publication Bangkok Post, the Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT) has raised its passenger service charges at the country’s 6 main airports for departing passengers on both domestic and international flights.

Its president Kerati Kijmanawat said on Monday (1 April) that for international flights, the service charge has been increased to THB730 or approximately RM95 from the previous THB700 or RM90.

Meanwhile, the passenger service charge for domestic flights has been increased to THB130 (RM17) from THB100 (RM13).

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These charges are applicable at the following airports in Thailand:

• Chiang Mai
• Chiang Rai
• Don Mueang
• Hat Yai
• Phuket
• Suvarnabhumi

As for why there was a slight increase in service charges, Kerati said that they’re meant to cover the cost of AOT’s Common Use Passenger Processing System (CUPPS).  Automatic services of CUPPS include boarding passes, airport check-ins and bag drop.

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Hence, if you’re travelling to, from or within the aforementioned Thailand airports, don’t be surprised if there’s a slight increase in the service charge okay! 

Also read: M’sians Want to Boycott Tourism to Thailand Over Approval of Same-Sex Marriage Bill