Thailand Proposes 450-Baht Tourist Tax and 1,000-Baht Departure Fee

Thailand could introduce two new travel taxes that would add 1,450 baht to the cost of an international round trip by air for foreign visitors covered by both proposals. Neither measure has been approved or taken effect yet.

The proposals include a 450-baht tourist arrival tax and a separate 1,000-baht departure tax that would apply to travellers of all nationalities, including Thai citizens.

Thailand’s Proposed 450-Baht Tourist Tax

Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Ministry discussed the proposed arrival tax on October 6, 2026, with government officials, tourism businesses and civil society representatives.

The government wants to use the revenue to fund tourist safety, medical coverage and improvements to popular destinations. According to the ministry, at least 8 billion baht annually could go towards tourism infrastructure and local communities after collection and insurance costs.

Under the proposed system, the tax would initially apply to covered foreign tourists arriving by air. Land and sea arrivals could be included a year later. Travellers making multiple entries within 30 days may be exempt from paying the fee again, subject to the final rules.

The collection method and exemptions are still being finalised. Adding the fee to airline tickets was the most popular option in the public consultation.

Thailand Considers a Separate 1,000-Baht Departure Tax

Thailand’s Revenue Department opened a public consultation on a proposed Departure Tax Act on September 30, 2026.

Unlike the tourist arrival tax, this proposal would cover travellers of all nationalities leaving Thailand, including Thai citizens.

Key provisions include:

• Proposed rate: 1,000 baht per air departure.
• Initial scope: Air travel, with land and sea departures initially exempt.
• Collection: Through airlines or authorised agents when tickets are purchased.
• Exemptions: Children aged two or younger, certain transit passengers and crew members travelling on duty.

Airline tickets purchased before the law takes effect would be exempt, even if the journey takes place later. If approved, the legislation would take effect 180 days after publication in Thailand’s Royal Gazette.

The public consultation remains open until October 29, 2026.

Could Thailand Trips Become More Expensive?

The proposed taxes come after an increase in airport passenger service charges at six Airports of Thailand-operated airports on June 20, 2026.

The international departure charge rose from 730 baht to 1,120 baht at airports including Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang and Phuket International Airport. This fee is already included in applicable airline ticket prices.

The 2,570-baht figure includes the existing airport fee. If both proposed taxes are introduced in their current form, they would add 1,450 baht in new charges for a covered foreign tourist travelling to and from Thailand by air.

The Association of Thai Travel Agents has opposed the departure tax, warning that rising travel costs could make Thailand less competitive. The debate reflects a wider challenge for popular destinations: raising funds for tourism infrastructure without discouraging visitors through additional charges.

When Will the New Taxes Take Effect?

There is no confirmed implementation date for either proposal. Both still require further government action, and their rates, exemptions and collection arrangements could change.

For Indian travellers planning holidays to Bangkok, Phuket or other Thai destinations, there is no new tax to pay at present. Continue checking official announcements before booking future trips, particularly if your departure falls close to any eventual implementation date.

Travelobiz Take:

We see the proposed taxes as a potential extra cost for Indian travellers, but there is no need to change plans yet. Wait for final approval, exemptions and implementation dates.