Thailand Considers US$30 Departure Tax as Government Seeks to Boost Revenue

BANGKOK— Thailand is considering introducing a departure tax of approximately 1,000 baht (US$30) per traveller as the government explores new ways to strengthen public finances. The proposal comes at a challenging time for the country's tourism industry, which continues to face an uneven recovery and softer visitor demand.

Under the proposal being examined by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's administration, both Thai citizens and foreign nationals departing the country could be required to pay the additional charge. Separately, authorities are working on a proposed 450-baht entry fee for foreign tourists arriving by air.

The potential introduction of these charges reflects the government's efforts to generate additional income following years of fiscal pressure. Thailand has recorded annual budget deficits equivalent to approximately 3% to 4% of its gross domestic product, limiting its financial flexibility while economic growth and domestic consumption remain relatively weak.

However, the proposed departure tax has raised concerns among tourism industry representatives, who fear that higher travel expenses could discourage visitors and weaken the country's competitiveness as a regional tourism destination.

The Thai Travel Agents Association has cautioned that the additional financial burden could reduce passenger traffic, potentially prompting airlines to scale back flight frequencies. Such developments could affect international visitor arrivals and complicate Thailand's ambition to establish itself as a leading aviation hub in Southeast Asia.

The concerns come as Thailand's tourism sector continues to operate below its pre-pandemic performance. As of October 10, 2026, the country had received approximately 24 million international visitors, representing a 4% decline compared with the corresponding period last year.

The figure also remains significantly below the nearly 40 million foreign tourists who visited Thailand in 2019, before the global pandemic disrupted international travel.

Despite these challenges, the Tourism Authority of Thailand anticipates approximately 33 million international arrivals for 2026, slightly above the 32.97 million recorded in 2025.

Should visitor numbers fall below last year's level, Thailand would experience consecutive annual declines outside the pandemic period for the first time since at least 1995.

Finance Ministry Permanent Secretary Lavaron Sangsnit explained that the proposed measure would effectively revive an earlier departure levy, which was previously set at 500 baht around two decades ago.

Although existing legislation permits a departure tax of up to 5,000 baht, the government is currently examining a substantially lower rate of approximately 1,000 baht.

To simplify implementation, authorities may incorporate the charge directly into airline ticket prices rather than requiring travellers to make separate payments at departure points.

Lavaron indicated that individuals who can afford international travel may be better positioned to absorb the additional expense. Revenue generated through the proposed tax could potentially support domestic tourism initiatives, travel insurance arrangements and emergency medical assistance.

Meanwhile, Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul confirmed that the government is separately pursuing a 450-baht charge for foreign visitors entering Thailand by air.

According to the minister, more than 80% of participants in a recent online public consultation expressed support for the proposed arrival fee, suggesting a degree of public acceptance despite concerns surrounding higher travel costs.

The two proposed charges nevertheless present a delicate policy challenge. While additional revenue could help Thailand address its fiscal constraints and finance tourism-related programmes, increasing travel expenses may also discourage price-sensitive visitors at a time when the industry is still rebuilding momentum.

For airlines, hotels, tour operators and other tourism-dependent businesses, maintaining competitive travel costs remains important to sustaining visitor demand and supporting employment. The government will therefore need to balance its revenue objectives against the potential impact on passenger volumes, tourism spending and Thailand's longer-term aviation ambitions.

Both the departure tax and the separate tourist arrival fee remain proposals, with their implementation subject to further government decisions.