Transport Ministry Reviews Proposals to Revive Thai Aviation Industry and Reduce Travel Costs

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Mr. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, (พิพัฒน์ รัชกิจประการ) chaired a national policy meeting on aviation to discuss measures to revive Thailand’s aviation industry, reduce living costs, and stimulate tourism while ensuring transparency and legal reform in the sector.
The meeting was attended by Transport Permanent Secretary Chayatham Phromsorn, (ชยธรรม์ พรหมศร) representatives from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP), the Department of Airports (DOA), Aeronautical Radio of Thailand (AEROTHAI), Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT), and members of the Airlines Association of Thailand (AAT), led by its President, Mr. Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth. (พุฒิพงศ์ ปราสาททองโอสถ)
Key proposals presented by the AAT included postponing the planned increases in aviation fees such as the Air Navigation Services Charge (ANSC) and Passenger Service Charge (PSC) to ease cost burdens on airlines and passengers during the economic recovery period. The association suggested deferring the ANSC rate adjustment at Don Mueang Airport to 2027, and for major regional airports including Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Krabi to 2028. The measure aims to support tourism recovery, increase flight frequency, and boost regional income distribution.
The association also proposed reducing the excise tax on jet fuel from 4.726 baht per litre to 0.20 baht per litre. This reduction would allow airlines to cut domestic airfares by around 100 baht per trip and increase domestic passenger capacity by 3.8 million seats between 15 January and 15 May 2026, generating an estimated 22 billion baht in economic circulation.
Additionally, the “Buy International, Free Domestic Flights” campaign was proposed to attract foreign tourists by offering free domestic flight tickets to those purchasing international flights to Thailand from 15 January to 12 April 2026, expected to draw over 200,000 foreign visitors and inject 8.5 billion baht into the economy.
Mr. Pipat affirmed the ministry’s commitment to reviewing all proposals within 30 days in collaboration with relevant agencies, prioritizing public benefit and sustainable development. He emphasized that the ministry will continue advancing Thailand’s position as a regional aviation hub through strengthened competitiveness and integrated policy reform to ensure long-term growth of the aviation and tourism sectors.