PATTAYA, Thailand – The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) is preparing to propose an increase in Passenger Service Charges (PSC) for air travelers, raising the current rate from 15 baht to 25 baht per passenger for safety oversight. The increase reflects rising operational costs and the growing responsibilities of CAAT in ensuring aviation safety over the past decade.
Air Chief Marshal Manat Chawanaprayoon, Director General of CAAT, explained that the authority generates an average of 1.2 billion baht per year from PSC, which funds safety inspections, airport oversight, and regulatory operations. CAAT currently has a reserve of about 1.8 billion baht, but passenger numbers and revenue dropped sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic. The proposed increase aims to ensure resources keep pace with Thailand’s expanding aviation industry.
Recently, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) conducted a safety audit of Thailand’s civil aviation sector from August 27 to September 8 under the USOAP-CMA program. Thailand scored above the global average, reflecting significant improvements in oversight of airlines, airport infrastructure, air navigation systems, and aircraft maintenance.
Under Section 39 of the Civil Aviation Act, CAAT is authorized to collect various fees from air operators, including:
- Charges for aircraft operations at public airports.
- Passenger service charges calculated per inbound or outbound traveler.
- Air cargo handling fees.
- Aviation fuel fees collected at fuel service points.
In addition to CAAT’s proposal, Airports of Thailand (AOT) plans to increase PSC by 5 baht per passenger. International departure charges would rise from 730 baht to 735 baht, and domestic departure charges from 130 baht to 135 baht.
Meanwhile, the Department of Airports (DOA) intends to raise PSC at airports equipped with three automated systems – Common Use Terminal Equipment (CUTE), Common Use Self Service (CUSS), and Common Use Bag Drop (CUBD). Domestic departure fees would increase from 50 baht to 75 baht per passenger, while international departure fees would rise from 400 baht to 425 baht.
Authorities stress that the adjustments are necessary to maintain Thailand’s high safety standards, improve regulatory oversight, and accommodate the growing complexity of the aviation sector, particularly as automated systems become standard at major airports.
