Politics
Old City Bkk Mayor Enforces Municipal Services Fee Revision 2026, Adjusting Business Permit Costs
Small business owners in Old City Bkk face new annual permit fees from August 2026 under the updated structure applied by the local government.
How we reported this
The Old City Bkk mayor's office began enforcing the Municipal Services Fee Revision 2026 on 1 July, which raises or lowers annual business permit fees depending on enterprise size and location within the district boundaries.
The revision follows the national Local Government Revenue Act amendments passed in late 2025, which require all municipal administrations to recalculate fees to match updated cost-recovery targets listed in the 2026 budget paper issued by the Ministry of Interior.
Daily effects for Old City Bkk residents
Street vendors operating food stalls near the Grand Palace now pay 4,800 baht yearly instead of the previous 3,200 baht, while operators of small guesthouses along Khao San Road see their permits drop to 12,500 baht from 15,000 baht. Delivery drivers registered in the district must renew vehicle permits at the district office on Phra Sumen Road, where processing times average 45 minutes under the new digital system.
Local advocates note that the changes directly alter monthly operating costs for the 2,800 registered businesses listed in the Old City Bkk chamber of commerce directory.
Comparison with other municipalities
Under the same national framework, the Chiang Mai municipality set its equivalent food-stall fee at 5,100 baht, while the eastern Bangkok district of Bang Kapi kept its guesthouse permit at 14,200 baht. The Productivity Commission report released in May 2026 recorded that Old City Bkk fees now sit 12 percent below the median of 12 comparable urban districts after the revision took effect.
The government says the policy will generate an additional 18 million baht in district revenue by December 2026, with the funds directed to road maintenance contracts awarded for the area around Wat Pho and the riverside piers. Residents can check individual fee schedules on the district website or visit the municipal office counter before 30 July to complete renewals under the prior rates.