•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Despite a decline in visitor numbers, Thailand is tightening travel management. Since the start of 2026, the growth rate of tourism has slowed, with international arrivals in April down 7% year on year. European arrivals fell by nearly 16% as well. Tourism remains a key sector for Thailand’s economy, but international arrivals have not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels.
Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT) announced that starting June 20, the international passenger service charge will rise from 730 baht to 1,120 baht per passenger (about 34 USD). The 53% increase will apply uniformly at six major gateways: Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, Hat Yai, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.
To support domestic travel, the charge for domestic flights remains at 130 baht per passenger (about 4 USD).
The decision followed months of debate, although the plan was approved in principle by the Thai Civil Aviation Board at the end of 2025. AOT chairwoman Paweena Jariyathitipong said the fee adjustment has been studied in line with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and based on operating costs and the airport system’s financial assessment.
Earlier reports suggested the new fee could boost revenue by more than 10 billion baht (about 8.17 trillion VND). AOT leaders also rejected speculation that the increase is meant to compensate for losses after King Power canceled its duty-free concession.
Paweena said additional revenue will be used to upgrade airport infrastructure and improve passenger experience nationwide. Major expansion projects at Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang and Phuket airports are expected to be submitted to the Thai cabinet for approval this year.
Some stakeholders have questioned the move. Former Bangkok Deputy Governor Samart Ratchapolsitte warned that the new fee at Suvarnabhumi currently exceeds charges at leading airports such as Incheon (South Korea) or Haneda (Japan), while Suvarnabhumi’s quality ranking sits at 36th on Skytrax.
The timing also coincides with rising aviation fuel prices driven by Middle East tensions, which are pushing up flight costs. In this context, the new fee is expected to add pressure on passengers.
Beyond the airport fee plan, the Thai government is considering requiring foreign travelers to buy travel accident insurance. The proposal is linked to concerns that uninsured patients increasingly burden domestic hospitals with higher treatment costs, with some serious cases running into millions of baht, according to CNA.
Data from the Ministry of Public Health indicates that unpaid medical debts from foreign patients cost Thailand at least 100 million baht (about 3 million USD) annually, with the burden borne by tourist hubs such as Phuket and Chiang Mai.
At present, medical insurance is not mandatory for visitors to Thailand, though it is required for some long-term visas. While the insurance fee is relatively low, many travelers do not buy coverage due to underestimating risk or choosing to self-pay after an accident.
Bangkok Post quoted the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, Somruk Jungsaman, saying the government is still seeking clear data to assess the scope of the issue and design appropriate measures. The ministry will also discuss the scope of insurance and related mechanisms with relevant authorities.
Experts say the proposal should be considered carefully because insurance costs could shift part of the financial burden from the government to travelers and may hinder Thailand’s tourism industry. Thanapol Cheewarattanaporn, president of the Thai Tour Agents Association (ATTA), told CNA that mandatory insurance could signal a more complex travel environment for budget travelers, spontaneous trips, and short tours from nearby markets.
Conversely, Noor Ahmad Hamid, CEO of the Asia Pacific Tourism Association (PATA), described the policy as part of a broader strategic restructuring, saying it reflects Thailand’s aim to position itself as a destination of quality, resilience and responsible travel, aligned with measures implemented in other countries.
Also aimed at improving quality, last week Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said he would strengthen monitoring of foreign tourists’ behavior after several incidents affected Thailand’s tourism image. Government spokesperson Ploytalay Laksmisangchan said tourists with inappropriate behavior or who disturb locals and other travelers must be strictly handled under law, without exceptions, especially conduct contrary to Thailand’s cultural values and involving drugs.
The statement followed incidents involving foreign tourists at well-known destinations. In Pattaya, locals reported four couples engaging in indecent underwater acts earlier this week. In Pattaya again, a tourist performing a backflip on the roof of a moving songthaew lost balance and fell onto the road. The prime minister said authorities would step up checks on entertainment venues to ensure public order.
The Thai government says it expects around 33.5 million international visitors this year. Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool said tourism could face a prolonged impact from the Middle East conflict due to higher airfares and restricted seat supply. Even so, overall revenue still grew modestly in April 2026, indicating Thailand’s tourism has adjusted to serve higher-spending markets, including segments such as healthcare and family travel.
Premium gym chains are entering a “golden era” that is ending or already in decline, as rising operating costs collide with shifting consumer preferences toward more flexible, community-based ways to exercise. Long-term memberships are shrinking, margins are pressured by higher rents and facility expenses, and competition from smaller, more personalized…
