Airports of Thailand has announced an increase in the international passenger service charge (PSC) to 1,120 baht, or about US$34.7 at the current exchange rate, effective from 20 June 2026 at all six airports under its management.

The new rate will apply only to departing international passengers using Suvarnabhumi Airport, Don Mueang International Airport, Chiang Mai International Airport, Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai International Airport, Phuket International Airport and Hat Yai International Airport.

Domestic passenger service charges will remain unchanged at 130 baht per person in support of the government's domestic tourism policy.

Pawina Jariyathitipong, president of AOT, said the adjustment followed approval by the Civil Aviation Board on 20 February 2026 and complied with international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization. She said the new PSC rate was based on principles including transparency, cost consistency, non-discrimination and stakeholder consultation.

Pawina stressed that the PSC was not a tax and was not intended for profit generation, but would be used solely for airport-related operations and infrastructure development.

According to AOT, revenue from the increased fee will support projects including the SAT-1 satellite terminal at Suvarnabhumi Airport, upgrades at Don Mueang Airport and the expansion of Common Use Passenger Processing Systems (CUPPS) aimed at reducing check-in waiting times and improving passenger experience.

The airport operator said surveys found that most passengers viewed the new PSC rate as reasonable and that it would not affect travel decisions. Airlines also supported the adjustment while urging AOT to continue improving service quality.

Pawina said the increase was intended to support long-term operational and investment costs, improve safety standards and strengthen Thailand's ambition to become a regional aviation hub with globally competitive airports.

On May 7, 2025, at Bangkok City Hall, Governor Chadchart Sittiphan gave an interview regarding his political direction and prospects for running in the second Bangkok governor election, indicating a strong likelihood he will seek re-election to continue his work. However, he stated he is currently focused on performing his duties as governor excellently until his term concludes, after which he will make an official announcement.

Regarding his administrative team, most will remain unchanged, though some consideration may be given to personnel adjustments for advisory positions in the future.

Chadchart said he is not concerned about other candidates announcing their bids, viewing it positively for democracy as it provides voters with diverse choices and sparks new ideas for urban development. He noted that since he currently serves as governor and receives a salary, he must give priority to performing his present duties to the best of his ability.

"Regarding running for a second term as Bangkok governor, I acknowledge there is a strong possibility I will continue," Chadchart said. "But I want to do my current job excellently first until my term is complete. As for a landslide—to be frank, there is no way. The latest parliamentary election clearly shows that the Pheu Thai Party is very strong and popular in Bangkok."

This election will be an intense competition, and his camp must perform at full capacity without viewing anyone as an enemy, but instead offering the best options for the public to decide. If they return to office, they can adopt good policies from others. If they don't return, their beneficial policies can be adopted by others as well.

When asked if Pheu Thai's candidate entry makes the Bangkok race difficult, Chadchart acknowledged that Pheu Thai makes things tough for him as well, as they have strong support in Bangkok. "That's good—it makes us work harder," he said.

Regarding confidence in this election, Chadchart said he cannot be confident as he must prioritize listening to the public's voice. He has no expectations or concerns, as his work is independent and involves no personal financial investment, so there is nothing to lose if he doesn't continue.

He believes his four-year track record will inform public decision-making. As a sitting official, it is natural that some people are satisfied and some are not.

When asked about the importance of Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMC) support in this election, Chadchart stated that the BMC is crucial for passing laws and budgets. He wants a quality, transparent council that genuinely works for the people. Currently, he has not announced special support for any particular faction, but in the future, if he finds candidates whose approach aligns well with his, he may consider supporting them.

Regarding future work policies, Chadchart confirmed he will continue advancing capillary economics alongside major infrastructure projects, using appropriate technology to maximize city efficiency. He noted that people have seen improvements in daily life from the capillary focus, but both elements must proceed together—like a body that needs both major and minor blood vessels to be strong.

On budget management, Chadchart stated that Bangkok followed balanced budget principles. In 2024, revenues exceeded projections by over 5 billion baht through cost savings and efficient revenue collection.

Bank of Thailand Governor Vithaya Rattanakorn stated that the central bank estimates the government's 400 billion baht emergency borrowing decree will add 0.6% stimulus to economic growth, bringing this year's overall GDP expansion to 2.1%, up from the previous 1.5% forecast based on a 300 billion baht borrowing plan.

Looking ahead to 2027, economic growth is projected at 1.6%, down from the earlier 2% forecast, due to the higher growth base this year. Regarding inflation, this year is expected to see 3.0-3.1% inflation, up from the previous 2.9% estimate, while next year's inflation is projected at 1.4%, compared to the earlier 1.5% forecast. As of April 2026, inflation stood at 2.89%, consistent with the Bank of Thailand's prediction that inflation will spike to 4-5% in some months before gradually declining in the second quarter of 2027.

Governor Rattanakorn stated that Thailand has not entered "stagflation" because, by definition, stagflation requires economic contraction combined with sustained high inflation. Currently, while inflation has risen moderately, it is expected to decline gradually in the second quarter of next year, meaning inflation will not persist long-term. Therefore, the country is not experiencing stagflation.

"However, circumstances change constantly, and there remains a stagflation risk that we must monitor and assess," the Bank of Thailand governor said. "That said, if we compare Thailand's inflation rate with other countries, Thailand's inflation remains on the lower end, while many countries are experiencing higher inflation rates."

On May 7, 2025, police conducted a traffic discipline checkpoint in front of Mae Nam Khwae Vocational College on Saengchuoto Road in Mueang District, Kanchanaburi Province. Officers stopped a Toyota sedan with Kanchanaburi registration traveling from the Kaeng Sian intersection toward downtown Kanchanaburi. While checking the driver's documents, officers observed suspicious behavior consistent with drug use and conducted a detailed search. They discovered 28 methamphetamine pills hidden in a glass bottle in the driver's seat cushion.

The suspect, identified as Songsakdi (surname withheld), age 56, was taken into custody. Upon interrogation at Mueang Kanchanaburi Police Station, a urine test came back positive. He admitted to purchasing 30 methamphetamine pills from a dealer named Naen from Ban Bong Dee, Sai Yok District, at 50 baht per pill. He had consumed two pills, leaving 28 remaining. He was driving to Kanchanaburi Provincial Prison to visit his wife, who is imprisoned on drug charges. The suspect had previously been arrested on drug charges by Sai Yok Police and was released approximately five years ago.

The suspect faces three charges: possession of Category 1 controlled substances without authorization, illegal consumption of Category 1 controlled substances, and driving under the influence of drugs.

The Intellectual Property Department and The One Enterprise are collaborating to promote geographical indication (GI) products through television dramas and series, while strengthening copyright laws and protecting performers' rights to advance Thailand's content industry. Ormon Sabtwitthidharm, director-general of the Intellectual Property Department, announced the partnership following meetings with Takol Kiattiwirawan, CEO of The One Enterprise Public Company Limited at GMM Grammy Place, where both organizations explored strategies to promote intellectual property use and create tangible value for the creative economy through comprehensive support of Thailand's content industry—from creation and talent development to commercial expansion and international market growth. The collaboration leverages the power of dramas and series as important tools to promote GI products both domestically and internationally.

"This discussion reflects the commitment of both public and private sectors to strengthen Thailand's content industry and enhance its global competitiveness, while developing personnel capabilities and content that can support growth in international markets," the director-general stated. The partnership emphasizes systematically linking storytelling, brand identity, and economic value, aligning with Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachee Sudhiramphunt's policy to strengthen Thai SMEs through intellectual property as a value-adding tool and to elevate Thai creative works and identity products to the global market.

Both parties discussed upgrading copyright laws and performer rights protections. The Intellectual Property Department is currently proposing amendments to the Copyright Act to enable Thailand's accession to the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty (WPPT) under RCEP obligations, with completion targeted for 2025. This will enhance protection of performers' and sound recording producers' rights in the digital age. The department is welcoming private sector input and planning educational forums on copyright law to balance rights protection with sustainable development of the Thai film and drama industry.

The two organizations also identified opportunities to benefit communities by integrating GI products with local narratives into drama and series content through product placement and storyline connections—such as featuring GI products in dining scenes, using GI production facilities as filming locations, and linking character storylines to producers' lifestyles. Thai dramas, series, and news programs serve as soft power to convey local charm, lifestyle, and national identity to audiences at home and abroad, thereby creating tangible economic value.