Thailand to close duty free shop in airport arrivals areas
The Thai government said duty free shop in the arrivals areas of international airports will be closed to encourage more spending by visitors at domestic retailers, the Bangkok Post reported.
The three operators of duty free stores in arrivals areas have agreed to suspend operations at eight of the country’s international airports (Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hat Yai, U-tapao, Samui and Krabi), a deputy government spokesman said.
He did not specify when these stores would close.
→ U.S. screens record 2.95 million airline passengers in a day
According to Customs Department statistics, duty-free sales in the arrivals area amounted to 3.02 billion baht in 2023, about US$82,899,000.
In general, travelers entering Thailand through international airports may purchase duty-free goods up to a total value of 20,000 baht (about $550); up to 200 cigarettes; up to 250 grams of cigars or tobacco; and alcoholic beverages up to 1 liter.
The government expects the closure of these duty-free stores to increase spending by foreign tourists by 570 baht ($15.65) per person per trip.
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