AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2004 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

Private travel agents in Thailand are to lobby Deputy Prime Minister Suwat Liptapanlop to order Airports of Thailand (AOT) to scrap its planned rise in landing charges.

The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) argue that the proposed 20% increase in landing charges will make Thailand one of the most expensive destinations in Asia and that, coupled with the rising fuel prices, would make it even more expensive for travellers.

AOT is planning to raise the landing charge at Bangkok airport by 20% in October 2004 and a further 15% in 2005 making it more expensive than Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong. A spokesperson for the Civil Aviation Authority said that it is discussing the issue with AOT, reports The Nation.

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