The Thai government is simultaneously studying two fee measures affecting travellers: a 450-baht (about HK$105) tourist fee for foreign visitors arriving by air, possibly from the first quarter of 2027, and a 1,000-baht (about HK$233) departure tax for air passengers of all nationalities. If both new charges are eventually implemented, together with the existing increased airport passenger service fee, the total taxes and fees for foreign air tourists visiting Thailand could reach as high as 2,570 baht (about HK$599).
450-baht entry tourist fee as early as Q1 next year
Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak said the government plans to charge foreign tourists arriving in Thailand by air a 450-baht tourist fee. The proposal still needs cabinet approval and completion of legal procedures, and could be implemented as early as the first quarter of 2027. To deal with border checkpoints and system issues, collection at land and sea entry points will be postponed for one year.
Authorities estimate the fee could generate about 8 billion baht (about HK$1.86 billion) a year, to be used for foreign tourist insurance, attraction improvements, natural resource restoration and tourism facility upgrades. The government also noted that it currently bears about 7 billion baht (about HK$1.63 billion) a year in medical expenses for foreign tourists, and the new measure would help ease the fiscal burden.
An online consultation completed earlier by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports showed that more than 80% of respondents supported the tourist fee, and 36.26% suggested including the fee directly in ticket prices to save queuing time. The tourism industry has called on authorities to clearly explain the scope of insurance coverage and how revenue will be used.
Departure tax proposed at 1,000 baht, regardless of nationality
Separately, the Revenue Department of Thailand's Ministry of Finance is holding a public consultation (until Oct. 29) on a draft Departure Tax Act, proposing a 1,000-baht departure tax on all air departures, regardless of nationality, meaning Thai citizens would also have to pay. The draft sets a legal maximum of 5,000 baht, with land and sea departures exempt initially.
The departure tax is planned to be collected by airlines. Exemptions would apply to children under 2, foreign heads of state, government guests and international transit passengers in designated transit areas. The act would take effect 180 days after being passed and published in the Royal Gazette. Those who bought tickets before the effective date would not have to pay the tax.
Industry worries about competitiveness as combined entry-exit fees rise
The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) opposes the departure tax, worried that stacked charges will weaken Thailand's tourism competitiveness.
In fact, Airports of Thailand (AOT) already raised the international passenger service fee at its six major airports to 1,120 baht in June this year (included in ticket prices). If the 450-baht entry fee and 1,000-baht departure tax are approved, the total entry, exit and airport service fees for foreign air passengers visiting Thailand will reach 2,570 baht (about HK$599), with the two new fees alone amounting to 1,450 baht (about HK$338).
Related News:
Comment