The cabinet says duty-free shops in arrivals areas of international airports will be closed to encourage more spending by visitors in domestic stores.

All three operators of inbound duty-free businesses have agreed to suspend the operations at eight international airports, a deputy government spokesperson said.

The spokesperson did not say when the shops would close.

The duty-free shops are in the arrivals areas at eight international airports: Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hat Yai, U-tapao, Samui and Krabi.

According to Customs Department statistics, sales from inbound duty-free shops totalled 3.02 billion baht in 2023.

Travellers entering Thailand through international airports can generally buy goods with tax exemptions up to a total value of 20,000 baht; up to 200 cigarettes; up to 250 grammes each of cigars or tobacco and alcoholic beverages up to 1 litre.

The ministry expects the closure of inbound duty-free shops to increase spending of foreign tourists by 570 baht per person per trip.