Thailand to Close Duty-Free Shops in Airport Arrivals
Thailand will close all duty-free shops in airport arrivals areas, aiming to generate 350 billion baht annually by boosting domestic spending. The change affects airports including Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, and Chiang Mai. Deputy government spokesperson Rudklao Suwankiri said the move will promote Thailand as a shopping hub and improve the economy.
The Thai Cabinet has confirmed the closure of all duty-free shops in the arrivals areas of airports to stimulate domestic spending, aiming to generate up to 350 billion baht annually.
The airports affected include Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hat Yai, U-Tapao, Samui, and Krabi.
Deputy government spokesperson Rudklao Suwankiri stated that the move is intended to promote Thailand as a shopping hub.
The Finance Ministry proposed this change, which was agreed upon by all duty-free operators without requiring legal amendments.
The initiative is expected to increase foreign tourist spending in local shops, reduce revenue for duty-free operators but generate an additional 3.46 billion baht to boost production, investment, and employment, and increase tax income while adding 0.012% to the GDP annually.