Planning a trip to Thailand? Be aware of potential new travel taxes! Thailand is currently considering two new fees – a 450-baht tourist arrival tax and a 1,000-baht departure tax. If both proposals are approved, foreign visitors on an international round trip by air could see an additional 1,450 baht added to their travel costs. It’s important to note that neither of these measures has been officially approved or taken effect yet.
Thailand’s Proposed 450-Baht Tourist Arrival Tax
Thailand’s government is looking to introduce a 450-baht “entry fee” or tourist arrival tax. Discussed by the Tourism and Sports Ministry on October 6, 2026, with key stakeholders, this fee aims to boost funding for tourist safety, provide medical coverage, and enhance popular destinations. Estimates suggest this could generate at least 8 billion baht annually for tourism infrastructure and local communities, after collection and insurance costs.
Under the proposed system, the tax would initially apply to foreign tourists arriving by air, with land and sea arrivals potentially included a year later. Travelers making multiple entries within 30 days might be exempt from paying the fee again, subject to the final rules. The collection method and specific exemptions are still being finalized, though adding the fee directly to airline tickets was the most popular option in public consultations.
Thailand Considers a Separate 1,000-Baht Departure Tax
In addition to the arrival tax, Thailand’s Revenue Department opened a public consultation on a proposed Departure Tax Act on September 30, 2026. This consultation remained open until October 29, 2026.
Unlike the tourist arrival tax, this separate proposal would cover travelers of all nationalities leaving Thailand by air, including Thai citizens.
Key provisions of the proposed Departure Tax Act include:
- Proposed rate: 1,000 baht per air departure.
- Initial scope: Air travel, with land and sea departures initially exempt.
- Collection: Through airlines or authorized agents when tickets are purchased.
- Exemptions: Children aged two or younger, certain transit passengers, and crew members traveling on duty.
Airline tickets purchased before the law takes effect would be exempt, even if the journey occurs later. If approved, the legislation would take effect 180 days after its publication in Thailand’s Royal Gazette.
Could Thailand Trips Become More Expensive?
Yes, your trip to Thailand could become more expensive if these proposals are enacted. These potential new taxes follow a recent increase in airport passenger service charges at six Airports of Thailand-operated airports on June 20, 2026.
The international departure charge at major airports like Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang, and Phuket International Airport, rose from 730 baht to 1,120 baht. This existing fee is already included in applicable airline ticket prices.
Here’s a breakdown of potential charges:
- Proposed tourist arrival tax: 450 baht
- Proposed departure tax: 1,000 baht
- Existing airport passenger service charge: 1,120 baht
- Potential combined total (including existing fee): 2,570 baht
If both proposed taxes are introduced in their current form, they would add 1,450 baht in new charges for a covered foreign tourist traveling 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. This situation highlights the balancing act popular destinations face between funding tourism infrastructure and keeping travel affordable.
When Will the New Taxes Take Effect?
Currently, there is **no confirmed implementation date** for either of these proposed taxes. Both measures require further government action, and their final rates, exemptions, and collection arrangements could still change.
For Indian travelers planning holidays to Bangkok, Phuket, or other Thai destinations, there are no new taxes to pay at present. We strongly advise checking official announcements and travel advisories before booking future trips, especially if your travel dates might coincide with any eventual implementation.
Our Take:
While these proposed taxes could add to travel costs for visitors, there’s no immediate need to alter your plans. It’s best to await final approval, confirmed exemptions, and specific implementation dates from official sources.
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