Why Duty Free Shop Entrance at 8 Airports in Thailand is Suspended
Jul 09, 2024
|
According to the Bangkok Post, the Thai government has agreed to suspend duty-free operations at eight airports with three companies that operate duty-free businesses.
The eight airports in question include Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hot Yai, Utapao, Samui and Kravi.
The move is aimed at promoting spending in shops in Thailand.
The three duty-free shops reportedly made 3.02 billion baht (about 114.7 billion won) in sales at the airport last year.
A government official said "Tourists tend to spend less on goods in Thailand as they purchase products at entry duty-free shops" and "We will closely monitor this move."
"The goal is to increase economic value overall by promoting domestic consumption, promoting the use of local products, and changing the direction of consumption," he added.
However, the date of business suspension is not yet known, and it is unclear when it will resume.
The closure of the duty-free shop is estimated to increase travel expenses per person for foreign visitors by 570 baht (about 22,000 won).
It is also expected to bring about an annual increase in store sales in Thailand of 3.5 billion baht (about 132.9 billion won).
bellho@sportschosun.com
