Mr. Suriya Juangroongruangkit, Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister, revealed that Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT) has hired consultants to study increasing the Passenger Service Charge (PSC). AOT has been tasked with comparing current PSC rates charged by other countries in the region, such as Singapore, Japan, and Hong Kong, to determine how much Thailand's PSC should increase. If PSC fees rise, an assessment will be made on the potential impact on passenger numbers, especially foreign travelers, to see if declines may occur. The study's results are expected within two months.
It is estimated that raising the airport usage fees would increase AOT's revenue, which could then be used for development, improvements, and expanding the capacity of AOT's airports. For example, AOT plans to construct the South Terminal at Suvarnabhumi Airport, and the increased PSC revenue could help fund this project. It was emphasized that the proposed PSC increase is unrelated to AOT's financial liquidity.
Ms. Pawina Jaritthitipong, Acting President of Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT), stated that AOT has engaged consultants to study and benchmark PSC increases for departing passengers from Thailand, which should have been done earlier because the current fees do not reflect the true costs. The PSC adjustment is expected to be implemented within this year.
"Currently, the PSC is 730 baht for international passengers and 130 baht for domestic passengers, rates that are low compared to other major airports worldwide. The lack of fee adjustment means AOT's collection is insufficient to cover management costs and large investments. Presently, AOT earns about 20 billion baht annually from PSC. The aim of increasing these fees is not to match Singapore's Changi Airport but to find a suitable level for AOT," she explained.