Thailand puts ฿1,000 departure tax plan on hold
The proposed charge would cover outbound travellers, including foreign tourists leaving after a visit, while higher energy costs remain a concern.
A proposed tax of ฿1,000 per overseas trip has been deferred by Thailand’s government, Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said, citing an uncertain economy and energy costs raised by the Middle East war.
Ekniti, also a deputy prime minister, said officials would review economic conditions and the effects of expensive energy before taking the proposal further. The Revenue Department had been gathering public views on the charge for outbound travellers.
He warned that introducing it now could add costs for airlines and the public. Foreign tourists would also face the charge on departure after visiting Thailand, he said, making an additional levy inappropriate under current conditions.
The government anticipates buoyant tourism during 2026’s fourth quarter and wants that activity to continue, with higher energy prices posing a possible strain on aviation and tourism.
Ekniti credited Thailand’s hosting of the 2026 IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings with improving its international image and encouraging interest in repeat visits. He said feedback at the APEC meeting also indicated that many people wanted to return.
