Thailand suggests a 1,000 Baht departure fee and a 450 Baht tourist tax.
Thailand may impose departure fees of 1,000 baht and tourist taxes of 450 baht, increasing the cost of air travel by 1,450 baht. Both plans are awaiting clearance.
For foreign travelers covered by both proposals, Thailand might impose two additional travel fees that would raise the price of an international round-trip flight by 1,450 baht. As of yet, neither measure has been authorized or implemented.
Travelers of all countries, including Thai nationals, would be subject to a separate 1,000-baht departure tax and a 450-baht tourist arrival fee.
The proposed 450 Baht tourist tax in Thailand
On October 6, 2026, Thailand's Tourism and Sports Ministry met with members of the government, travel agencies, and civil society to debate the proposed arrival tax.
The government intends to utilize the proceeds to pay for renovations to well-known locations, medical coverage, and visitor safety. The ministry claims that after collection and insurance expenses, at least 8 billion baht a year might be allocated to local communities and tourism infrastructure.
The tax would first be imposed on eligible international visitors arriving by air under the proposed approach. A year later, arrivals by land and water might be included. Subject to the final guidelines, travelers who make multiple entries within 30 days may not have to pay the cost again.
Finalization of the exemptions and collection strategy is ongoing. During the public survey, the most popular option was to add the fee to airline tickets.
On September 30, 2026, the Thai Revenue Department began accepting public comments on a proposed Departure Tax Act.
This plan would apply to travelers of all countries departing Thailand, including Thai citizens, in contrast to the tourist arrival tax.
Important clauses consist of:
The suggested price per air departure is 1,000 baht.
Initial scope: Air travel; departures by land and sea are initially excluded.
When tickets are purchased, they are collected by airlines or authorized agents.
Children under the age of two, specific transit passengers, and crew members on duty are exempt.
Even if the trip occurs later, airline tickets purchased prior to the law's implementation would be exempt. The law will go into effect 180 days after it is published in Thailand's Royal Gazette if it is passed.
The deadline for the public consultation is October 29, 2026.
Will Travel to Thailand Increase in Cost?
The proposed levies follow an increase in airport passenger service fees at six airports run by Airports of Thailand on June 20, 2026.
At airports including Phuket International Airport and Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang in Bangkok, the international departure fee increased from 730 baht to 1,120 baht. The corresponding plane ticket prices already cover this cost.
The current airport fee is included in the 2,570-baht amount. A covered foreign visitor flying to and from Thailand would pay an additional 1,450 baht if both proposed levies were implemented in their current form.
The Association of Thai Travel Agents has voiced opposition to the exit tax, cautioning that Thailand may become less competitive due to growing travel expenses. Raising money for tourism infrastructure without deterring tourists with extra fees is a larger difficulty for popular sites, which is reflected in the argument.
When Will the New Taxes Be Implemented?
Neither proposal has a set implementation date. Both still need more government action, and there may be changes to their rates, exemptions, and methods of collection.
There is currently no additional tax for Indian tourists who are planning vacations to Bangkok, Phuket, or other Thai locations. Before making travel plans in the future, keep an eye on official pronouncements, especially if your departure is near any eventual implementation date.
Travunited Take:
Although there is now no need to alter plans, we regard the planned taxes as a potential additional expense for Indian travelers. Await the dates of implementation, exemptions, and ultimate approval.
