Deputy Transport Minister Addresses High Airfares to Chiang Mai During Yi Peng Festival
Deputy Transport Minister Siriphong Akrasakulkiat explains that high airfares to Chiang Mai during the Yi Peng festival are driven by reduced flight capacity due to lantern releases.
On November 12, 2026, Deputy Minister of Transport Siriphong Akrasakulkiat addressed public concerns regarding reports of Bangkok-Chiang Mai airfares exceeding 20,000 THB during the Yi Peng festival. According to Khaosod Online, the Ministry of Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) maintain that standard price caps for low-cost carriers should not exceed 5,000 THB per trip, while full-service airlines typically charge around 7,000 THB. The Minister clarified that the surge in prices is largely attributed to third-party online travel agencies (OTAs) rather than the airlines themselves. Furthermore, the reduction in available flight slots is a significant factor; approximately 60 flights per day are cancelled or rescheduled to avoid safety risks posed by the release of sky lanterns during the festival. For travelers, this means limited availability and higher costs during peak celebration periods. The Ministry is currently planning discussions with the Ministry of Commerce to explore potential regulations for OTAs to prevent excessive pricing. Travelers are advised to book directly through airline websites to secure standard rates. It remains to be confirmed whether new regulatory measures will be implemented to curb OTA pricing practices before future peak travel seasons.
