In a bold move poised to reshape the travel retail landscape, the Airport Authority of Thailand (AOT) has announced the cessation of inbound duty-free operations at five key airports, previously under the stewardship of King Power – a leading operator in Thailand’s duty-free business.
Five major airports – including Bangkok Suvarnabhumi and Chiang Mai – will cease inbound duty-free operations from August 1 onwards.
This strategic realignment aligns with a Cabinet resolution passed on July 2, which endorses the discontinuation of tax incentives for bonded warehouses used for inbound duty-free sales.
The initiative, proposed by the Ministry of Finance, aims to channel expenditure from these duty-free outlets into the broader domestic economy, fostering enhanced economic vitality and growth.
The Airports of Thailand Public Co., Ltd. (AOT) has stated that this move is designed to optimise the flow of spending within the country, ultimately creating a more dynamic economic environment.
AIR TRAVEL
Lao Airlines operates the Savannakhet-Suvarnabhumi route
Lao Airlines has launched a new direct flight route connecting Savannakhet, Laos, with Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport. Operating three times a week—on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays—each flight can accommodate up to 70 passengers. This new service is a vital addition to tourism links between Laos and Thailand, especially catering to Laotian travellers from the central and southern regions eager to explore Thailand.
>> Read more
In response, the Customs Department has formally requested King Power Duty-Free Co., Ltd. to comply with this new directive.
As a result, travelers will see the end of inbound duty-free shopping at Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Hat Yai airports starting today.
This shift marks a transformative step in Thailand’s retail landscape, aiming to bolster domestic economic benefits while redefining the future of airport shopping.
