Transport
Airports of Thailand Seeks Reinstatement of Arrival Duty-Free Shops
Airports of Thailand (AOT) is pushing to bring back arrival duty-free shops, citing passenger demand and the need to boost non-aeronautical revenue.
According to a report by Prachachat Business on August 18, 2026, Airports of Thailand (AOT) is actively seeking to reinstate arrival duty-free shops at its airports. AOT claims that over 90% of passengers have expressed a desire for the return of these services, which were discontinued two years ago.
As part of this initiative, AOT has requested that the Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) provide a detailed assessment of whether the two-year suspension of these shops has actually provided any tangible benefits to the country. AOT argues that restoring these facilities is essential to aligning airport service standards with international benchmarks and strengthening the company's non-aeronautical revenue streams.
Currently, AOT is in discussions with King Power to explore three potential new business models for the operation of these shops. For travelers and residents, this development suggests a potential shift in the retail landscape at Thai airports, which could lead to more shopping options upon arrival. However, the proposal remains in the negotiation and study phase. It is not yet confirmed whether the government will approve the reinstatement or what specific operational models will be adopted if the project moves forward. Further updates are expected as AOT continues its dialogue with the relevant authorities and private sector partners.