Transport Minister Explains Chiang Mai Flight Price Surge During Yi Peng Festival
Transport Minister Siripong Akkharasakul explained that Bangkok-Chiang Mai flight prices surged above 20,000 baht during the Yi Peng festival due to a reduction of about 60 daily flights caused by lantern releases and price gouging by unregulated online travel agencies. He advised booking directly with low-cost carriers to access legally capped fares of 5,000 baht and said the ministry is working with the Ministry of Commerce to regulate OTAs, aiming for new rules by next year.
On November 12, 2026, at Parliament, Transport Minister Siripong Akkharasakul addressed the surge in Bangkok-Chiang Mai airfares above 20,000 baht. He stated that the Ministry of Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand are responsible for overseeing fare rates and safety standards. Low-cost carrier fares per trip should not exceed 5,000 baht, depending on promotions, while full-service airlines are around 7,000 baht.
The minister explained that the Yi Peng festival causes flight reductions because locals release lanterns, forcing flights to avoid them during certain periods. This cuts about 60 flights daily on the Bangkok-Chiang Mai route.
Regarding high prices despite price controls, Siripong noted that airlines sell quotas to Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) and Travel Agencies (TAs). When demand is high and flights are fewer, these agents raise prices. OTAs are currently not regulated by Thai law because many are foreign companies not registered in Thailand.
The Civil Aviation Authority has written to the Ministry of Commerce requesting legislation to require OTAs to register in Thailand and comply with price ceiling regulations, similar to measures in other countries. Siripong believes the Office of the Consumer Protection Board, the Ministry of Commerce, and the Ministry of Transport can collaborate to prevent such issues.
Until laws are enacted, he advises travelers to book directly with airlines to benefit from capped fares, or use Thai-registered TAs that can be regulated. He expects the regulatory framework to be submitted to the Ministry of Commerce soon, aiming for implementation by next year.
Siripong confirmed that non-full-service fares bought directly from airline websites are legally capped at 5,000 baht, and violations can be reported. He acknowledged high fares during festivals may discourage domestic travel, but views it as a supply-and-demand issue and hopes to keep fares within reasonable rates.
