BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand is considering a 1,000-baht departure tax on people travelling abroad, including Thai nationals and foreign visitors, with the proposed charge potentially added directly to airline ticket prices. Lavaron Sangsnit, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Finance, said the proposal aims to generate revenue to support domestic tourism while reducing reliance on the national budget.
The Finance Ministry is currently seeking public feedback on a draft Departure Tax Act, with the consultation period running from September 30 to October 29, 2026. The draft provides for a tax of up to 5,000 baht per departure, with the actual rate to be set under subsequent legislation. Lavaron stressed that 5,000 baht is only the proposed legal ceiling, not the amount travellers would necessarily pay. He said 1,000 baht would be a more appropriate rate under current economic conditions, noting that Thailand charged 500 baht per person more than 20 years ago.
Under the proposal, the tax could apply to both Thai and foreign nationals leaving the country. However, additional legislation would be required to extend the charge to foreign travellers, according to Lavaron. The ministry is considering collecting the tax through airline ticketing systems, similar to the way value-added tax is incorporated into transactions. Officials believe this would be more convenient than the ticket-style payment system used in the past.
Revenue would first enter the central government budget rather than being transferred automatically to a designated tourism agency. Funding could then be allocated to support domestic tourism through the normal budget process.
The ministry is also considering how the proposed departure tax could interact with the separate tourism fee, commonly known as the “land entry fee,” overseen by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. The aim would be to avoid duplicate charges, potentially by collecting only at one point of travel, such as departure, while considering whether part of the revenue could help fund insurance coverage for foreign tourists. The proposal remains under public consultation. Authorities still need to examine collection procedures, operational readiness and travel statistics before any final decision or implementation.
