Thailand considers new air departure tax for travelers

The Thailand Revenue Department has opened a public consultation period, running from September 30 to October 29, 2026, regarding a proposed air departure tax. The draft legislation suggests an initial charge of ฿1,000 for air departures, with the potential for rates to reach up to ฿5,000 per departure. Unlike a one-time tourist levy, this tax would apply to every taxable flight out of the country, potentially impacting Thai citizens, expatriates, and frequent business travelers multiple times.

Concerns regarding rising travel costs have surfaced following reports of high airport fees on specific flights. While some travelers have questioned large sums labeled as departure taxes, breakdowns indicate these costs often consist of a combination of airline surcharges and existing airport fees. For instance, Airports of Thailand (AOT) increased its international passenger service charge from 730 baht to 1,120 baht in June.

If implemented, the proposed tax could create a price disparity between air travel and land or sea departures, which are currently exempt from the proposed charge. This could potentially shift regional travel patterns toward land border crossings and sea routes for price-sensitive travelers.