Thailand is weighing two separate travel taxes that could add 1,450 baht to the cost of a round-trip air visit. Neither has been approved or taken effect, and no implementation date has been announced.
The first is a 450-baht tourist arrival tax for foreign visitors. After an October 6 meeting chaired by Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul, the proposal is heading to the National Tourism Policy Committee. A public consultation (August 24 to September 28) drew 5,954 responses, with 80.5% backing the tax. It would apply to air arrivals first, with land and sea arrivals following a year later. Multiple entries within 30 days would not be charged again. Revenue would fund tourist medical insurance and destination upkeep, with at least 8 billion baht a year earmarked for improvements.
The second is a 1,000-baht departure tax on air travellers of all nationalities, including Thais. The Revenue Department opened a consultation on September 30, running until October 29, 2026. It would be collected through airline tickets, with exemptions for children aged two or under, certain transit passengers and crew. Tickets bought before the law takes effect would be exempt, and the law would start 180 days after publication in the Royal Gazette. The rate could be set as high as 5,000 baht by later regulation.
The Association of Thai Travel Agents has opposed the departure tax, citing competitiveness concerns, especially since airport passenger fees already rose to 1,120 baht on June 20, 2026.
