Thailand tightens passport checks and hikes airport fees for travelers

Thailand enforces a strict six‑month passport‑validity rule for inbound passengers. Airlines verify documents through IATA’s Timatic system and must decide within minutes whether a traveler can board. If a carrier wrongly denies boarding, it may be liable for up to €600 in compensation plus any additional costs, while a correct denial results in no penalty for the airline.

At the same time, the state airport operator Airports of Thailand (AOT) raised the international passenger service charge on six major airports—from 730 Baht to 1,120 Baht per person, a 53 % increase effective 20 June 2026. The fee is now included in airline tickets. A separate 300 Baht tourist entry levy has been approved but remains unenforced, with no start date announced.