(Central News Agency reporter Li Zongxian reported in Bangkok on the 10th) Thailand is considering imposing a departure tax of 1,000 baht (approximately NT$951) on passengers of all nationalities leaving the country by air. Although the draft is still in the public consultation stage, it has triggered a backlash from Thai tourism industry operators, who believe that the additional fees will increase the burden on tourists and affect Thailand’s tourism competitiveness, calling on the government to postpone the implementation.
The Thai Ministry of Finance is studying the imposition of a departure tax of 1,000 baht. According to the draft principles of the "Departure Tax Law", it plans to charge 1,000 baht each time to passengers of all nationalities leaving Thailand by air. Land and sea departures will not be levied in the initial stage, and are still in the public consultation stage.
Thailand’s Ministry of Finance stated that the bill was proposed to make more effective use of national resources within the framework of fiscal discipline and to increase flexibility in responding to possible emergencies in the future.
In this regard, the Thai Hotel Association (THA) pointed out on its official Facebook page that Chairman Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun has written to the Director of the Thailand Revenue Department to oppose the draft departure tax bill, requesting the government to reconsider the proposal and publish a complete economic impact assessment before promoting it.
The Thai Hotel Association pointed out that if the departure tax and other proposed travel fees are implemented one after another, foreign tourists may have to bear related fees of up to 2,570 baht per trip, including the 1,120 baht international passenger service fee that has been increased by Airports of Thailand (AOT) at the airports owned by Airports of Thailand, the proposed 450 baht foreign passenger entry fee, and the 1,000 baht departure tax.
The Thai government plans to impose an entry fee of 450 baht (approximately NT$423) on foreign passengers entering the country by air, which is expected to start in the first quarter of 2027 at the earliest.
The Thai Hotels Association has warned that the departure tax, combined with other travel fees, could increase costs for foreign tourists and weaken the competitiveness of Thailand's tourism industry.
The Bangkok Post reported on the 9th that the Thailand Travel and Tourism Association (ATTA) also requested the Ministry of Finance to postpone the implementation of the departure tax draft.
Adith Chairattananon, honorary secretary-general of the association, said that the purpose of international travel is not limited to sightseeing, but also includes study, work, trade and investment. A uniform levy of 1,000 baht will place a heavier burden on families, students and small businesses that frequently travel for business.
The Thailand Travel and Tourism Association pointed out that the international passenger service fee at the six airports owned by Airports of Thailand (AOT) has been raised from 730 baht to 1,120 baht on June 20. If coupled with departure tax and the proposed entry fee for foreign tourists, it will further increase travel costs.
The association believes that additional fees may inhibit passengers' willingness to travel, thereby affecting airline operations. If passenger demand decreases, airlines may reduce flights or cancel routes with fewer passengers, which will also affect the tourism industry and related employment.
Surasak Phancharoenworakul, Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports, said that he will discuss the departure tax proposal with the Ministry of Finance to clarify the reasons for the tax and the use of the revenue. He pointed out that the Ministry of Finance has previously stated that relevant revenue will be used to promote domestic tourism, but the fund allocation principle in the current draft is still unclear. If it overlaps with the 450 baht foreign tourist entry fee, it may also raise concerns about duplicate charges.
