More than 300 euros for a 1h25 flight between Bangkok and Phuket?
Several users were outraged at the prices of flights connecting the capital of Thailand to the largest island in the land of smiles.
For a simple round trip between Bangkok and the very touristy island of Phuket, travelers can pay up to 14,000 bahts (around 360 euros), indicates the specialized site Tout la Thailand.
On social networks, users denounced the prices of their tickets.
One of them shows a one-way ticket from Don Muang Airport in Bangkok to Phuket Airport and exclaims: “
Sweet Jesus!
The price of flights to Phuket from #Bangkok is crazy!
Before COVID, couldn't you fly to #Phuket for less than 1000 baht?
".
The one-way ticket in his screenshot is charged at 5,620 bahts, or approximately 144 euros.
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The government is taking up the issue
Thai Hotel Association Southern Branch president Suksit Suvunditkul confirmed that prices of air tickets and hotels in Phuket have been increasing since the end of the pandemic.
An increase attributed to the high tourist season, and which would not impact foreign travelers according to him.
It would only impact visiting Thais and local business travelers.
Publications on social networks caused even the local government to react.
On February 20, Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit ordered the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand to lower prices on domestic flights.
He wants this reduction to be implemented for the Thai New Year, Songkran, which will take place between April 13 and 15.
As a reminder, the same Civil Aviation Authority sets the maximum fares for a one-way Bangkok-Phuket trip at 6,561 bahts (approximately 168 euros) for low-cost and 9,074 bahts (approximately 233 euros) for other companies.
For his part, the president of the Phuket Thanet tourism association Tantipiriyakit assured that no company had exceeded the imposed ceiling.