THE WHAT? Thailand’s government has announced that it intends to shut down duty free stores in international arrivals zones in airports in a bid to encourage tourists to spend in local retail stores instead.

THE DETAILS According to a report published by the Bangkok Post, Thailand’s three operators of inbound tax-free stores have agreed to shutter stores at eight international airports. Tax benefits for bonded warehouses for duty free stores in arrivals will also be scrapped.

THE WHY? Sales from inbound duty-free locations hit THB3.02 billion in 2023, the Bangkok Post reports, quoting figures from the Customs Department, spend which could be diverted to local consumption.