Transport Ministry Eyes Duty-Free Return at Suvarnabhumi Airport
Thailand's Transport Ministry is moving to reinstate duty-free shopping at Suvarnabhumi Airport's arrival area, having scrapped the policy in 2024. The shift aims to improve passenger experience during immigration rather than boost domestic
The Transport Ministry is preparing to submit a cabinet proposal to reinstate duty-free shopping at Suvarnabhumi Airport's arrival area and plans to negotiate with King Power Duty Free. Transport Deputy Minister Siripong Angskul said Thai Airports Authority has forwarded the matter to the Office of Fiscal Policy for consideration, with a cabinet proposal to follow. The ministry's rationale has shifted; rather than aiming to boost domestic consumption as originally intended, the duty-free zone is now seen as providing passenger amenities and retail services to reduce wait times and enhance the travel experience during immigration processing. Deputy Managing Director Sirotom Duangrat of Thai Airports Authority said the previous cabinet decision to eliminate duty-free shopping across six airports failed to achieve its goal of increasing domestic spending or improving national revenue. The authority submitted its assessment to the fiscal office on August 11, 2025. Should the cabinet approve the proposal, Thai Airports Authority will negotiate with King Power Duty Free regarding the arrival area duty-free space and revenue sharing terms, though the allocated space may be smaller than before due to other passenger service facilities already in place.
