To encourage visitors to spend more within the country, Thailand's government has moved to close duty-free shops at the arrival areas of eight of the country's international airports – including Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport and Phuket.
To encourage visitors to spend more within the country, Thailand's government has moved to close duty-free shops at the arrival areas of eight of the country's international airports – including Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport and Phuket.
According to reports from outlets such as the Bangkok Post, the three operators of inbound duty-free businesses have agreed to suspend their operations at eight of the country's airports – the two Bangkok area hubs (Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang), Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hat Yai, U-Tapao, Samui, and Krabi.
No timeline of the closures have been announced, though in letters the duty-free operators stated they would adhere to the suspension of sales until the policy is revoked.
With the aim of boosting domestic consumption, the Thai government estimates the closure of the inbound duty-free shops would increase the spending of foreign tourists domestically by THB 570 (~USD $16) per person during their trip. For arrivals, the duty-free businesses reported sales of over THB 3 billion (~USD $82.4 million) in 2023.
Travelers arriving in Thailand can make purchases with tax exemptions for items (personal/professional) not exceeding a total value of THB 20,000 (~USD $550). Limitations for purchases include 200 cigarettes, up to 250 grams each of cigars or tobacco (or a combined total not exceeding the same amount), and up to 1 liter of alcholic beverages.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Thailand reported the country welcomed over 28 million international visitors in 2023.
Powered by Froala Editor