Business · Thailand Bureau
Thailand considers 1,000-baht departure levy for all international travellers
Thai authorities are examining a proposal to introduce a universal departure tax of 1,000 baht for both Thai nationals and foreign visitors leaving the country. The measure aims to generate additional revenue for tourism-related infrastructure and services.
LSN Thailand ·
Thailand is evaluating the introduction of a 1,000-baht departure tax applicable to all travellers, regardless of nationality, according to government sources. The proposed levy would be collected from passengers departing Thai airports and could expand to other ports of exit.
The tax is intended to fund tourism development projects and enhance airport facilities and services across the kingdom. Officials argue that the measure would create a sustainable revenue stream while maintaining competitiveness with regional rivals offering similar departure fees.
The proposal requires formal approval from relevant government bodies and cabinet consideration before implementation. If adopted, Thailand would join several other Southeast Asian countries that collect departure taxes from international travellers as a standard practice.
Authorities have not yet announced a specific timeline for implementation or provided details on exemptions that might apply to certain categories of travellers, such as transit passengers or diplomatic personnel. The government plans to conduct further consultations with stakeholders in the aviation and tourism sectors before making a final decision.