BANGKOK, Thailand – Claims circulating on social media that Thailand has begun collecting a 1,000-baht tax from people travelling abroad are misleading. The Ministry of Finance has confirmed that the proposed overseas travel tax has been postponed and is not currently being enforced. The issue has attracted attention among travellers and tourism businesses following reports about a proposed charge of 1,000 baht per person per trip for those leaving Thailand by air. The reports have raised concerns about whether passengers must now pay an additional fee when booking flights or departing from Thai airports.
The Ministry of Finance, through its Public Relations Group, has confirmed that collection of the proposed tax, which falls under the responsibility of the Revenue Department, has been postponed. The decision was also confirmed by Thailand’s Anti-Fake News Centre. The proposal had previously been opened for public consultation through a draft Overseas Travel Tax Act. It included a proposed levy of 1,000 baht per person per trip for departures by air. However, the ministry concluded that current circumstances were not suitable for introducing an additional charge.
Officials cited concerns that the tax could increase costs for airlines and travellers, potentially affecting tourism demand at a time when Thailand is seeking to maintain its appeal as an international destination and support the continued recovery of the tourism industry. The ministry’s decision means the proposed tax has not entered into force. Travellers departing from Thai airports are therefore not currently required to pay the additional 1,000 baht described in the social media posts.
The distinction is important: the proposal was real and had reached the public consultation stage, but its implementation has been postponed. Reports claiming that the government has already started collecting the tax are therefore incorrect. Travellers should be aware that the 1,000-baht charge is not currently payable. Any future decision to proceed with the proposal would require further official action and an announcement from the relevant authorities.
