Thailand Pauses Proposed 1,000-Baht Departure Tax Amid Tourism Concerns

Key summary

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas confirmed on October 22 that Thailand will not proceed with a proposed 1,000-baht departure tax for now. The Finance Ministry cited concerns that the charge could discourage international travel and affect the tourism industry, particularly following recent IMF and World Bank meetings and given ongoing Middle East conflict impacts on airline costs. The Revenue Department had opened public consultation from September 30 to October 29, but no implementation date has been set. Opposition came from the Association of Thai Travel Agents and the Thai Hotels Association. The postponement applies only to the departure tax; a separate 450-baht tourist entry fee remains under consideration. Between January 1 and October 17, Thailand welcomed 24.42 million foreign visitors, generating approximately 1.19 trillion baht in tourism revenue, with China accounting for the largest number of visitors.