Thailand plans two new travel fees: a 450-baht entry fee for foreign air arrivals (Q1 2027) and a 1,000-baht departure tax for all passengers. Combined with existing airport fees, total charges could reach 2,570 baht. The tourism industry expresses concerns about competitiveness.
Thailand’s New Tourism Fees Summary
Proposed Entry and Departure Charges:
- 450-baht tourist fee for foreign air arrivals, possibly from Q1 2027
- 1,000-baht departure tax for all air passengers regardless of nationality
- Combined with existing 1,120-baht airport service fee, total charges could reach 2,570 baht
Government Justification:
- Entry fee expected to generate 8 billion baht annually for tourism infrastructure, natural resource restoration, and insurance
- Government currently spends 7 billion baht yearly on foreign tourist medical expenses
- Over 80% public support in online consultation
Industry Concerns:
- Travel agents warn stacked fees will reduce Thailand’s tourism competitiveness
- Entry fee collection at land and sea borders postponed one year
- Departure tax consultation ends October 29
Proposed Entry Fee and Revenue Generation Strategy
Thailand’s government is introducing a 450-baht entry fee for foreign tourists arriving by air, with implementation potentially beginning in the first quarter of 2027. This measure requires cabinet approval and completion of legal procedures before taking effect. Collection at land and sea entry points will be delayed by one year to address operational and system challenges.
The government estimates the fee will generate approximately 8 billion baht annually, allocated toward foreign tourist insurance, attraction improvements, natural resource restoration, and tourism facility upgrades. Authorities justify this initiative by noting they currently spend about 7 billion baht yearly on medical expenses for foreign tourists, positioning the new fee as a means to alleviate fiscal pressure. Public consultation results demonstrated strong support, with over 80% of respondents approving the tourist fee, and 36.26% suggesting integration into ticket prices to streamline the collection process and reduce queuing delays.
Departure Tax Proposal and Implementation Details
The Revenue Department proposes a 1,000-baht departure tax on all air passengers regardless of nationality, including Thai citizens. This separate initiative is currently undergoing public consultation until October 29, with a proposed legal maximum of 5,000 baht, while land and sea departures remain initially exempt. Airlines will be responsible for collecting the tax, with exemptions granted to children under two years old, foreign heads of state, government guests, and international transit passengers in designated areas. The act would become effective 180 days following parliamentary passage and publication in the Royal Gazette, though passengers who purchased tickets before the effective date would be exempt from payment.
Industry Concerns and Cumulative Cost Impact
Combined fees could significantly increase travel costs for foreign tourists, raising competitiveness concerns within Thailand’s tourism sector. The Association of Thai Travel Agents opposes the departure tax, citing concerns about reduced competitiveness. When combined with the existing 1,120-baht international passenger service fee at major airports (increased in June), total entry, exit, and airport fees could reach 2,570 baht (approximately HK$599) for foreign air passengers. The two new fees alone would amount to 1,450 baht, representing a substantial addition to travel expenses and potentially impacting Thailand’s attractiveness as a tourist destination compared to regional competitors.
