Thailand eyes $30 departure tax for tourists in revenue push

Thailand is considering a new outbound tax of around 1,000 baht ($30) for both Thai and foreign travelers departing the country, as the country seeks to boost its revenue following years of budget deficits. However, the government is also planning to impose a 450-baht fee on foreign visitors arriving by air. Tourism Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul revealed that the proposed departure tax would be incorporated into airline tickets, rather than collected at departure.

He argued that individuals with the means to travel internationally could better afford the additional cost, with the revenue potentially used to promote domestic tourism and provide travel insurance or emergency medical coverage. Some, including the Thai Travel Agents Association, have expressed concerns that the departure tax could discourage outbound travel, potentially leading airlines to reduce flight frequencies and harming inbound tourism.

This could also contradict Thailand's goal of becoming a regional aviation hub. Despite these concerns, a recent online public consultation saw more than 80% of respondents supporting the proposal.