Thailand delays proposed 1,000-baht overseas travel tax

Bangkok - Thailand has postponed plans to introduce a 1,000-baht tax per overseas trip, citing economic uncertainty and soaring energy prices due to the Middle East conflict, Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas announced on Thursday. The Revenue Department was conducting public consultations on the proposed tax, which would apply to those traveling outside the country.

Ekniti, who is also a deputy prime minister, said the government aimed to evaluate the economic situation and the impact of high energy costs before implementing the measure. He highlighted that Thailand's hosting of the 2026 IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings had boosted the nation's image and encouraged international visitors to return to Thailand.

Ekniti also mentioned feedback from the APEC meeting, where many participants expressed interest in visiting Thailand again. The government anticipates tourism to stay strong in the fourth quarter of 2026 and wants to sustain the positive momentum, especially as rising energy costs could impact the aviation and tourism sectors. Ekniti argued that imposing the tax at this time would impose an extra financial burden on the public and airlines, as well as on foreign tourists who would have to pay the tax upon leaving Thailand after their visit.

Consequently, the government deems it inappropriate to impose additional costs under the current circumstances, he stated.