Thailand proposes exit tax for all air passengers

The Thai Ministry of Finance has proposed a new exit tax for all passengers departing Thailand by air. The draft legislation suggests a standard fee of 1,000 Baht (approximately 25–27 EUR), though the proposal includes a legal ceiling of up to 5,000 Baht.

Unlike previously discussed entry taxes, this departure fee would apply to both foreign tourists and Thai nationals, as well as foreign residents. The tax is intended to be collected by airlines or travel agents at the time of ticket purchase. The proposal currently focuses exclusively on air travel; departures via land or sea are not included in the initial plan.

Several groups are exempt from the fee, including international transit passengers who do not leave the designated airport transit areas, children under the age of two, members of state delegations, and foreign heads of state.

Failure to pay the tax could result in penalties amounting to double the original fee plus monthly surcharges. If the proposal is approved by the Cabinet and Parliament, a 180-day transition period would follow its publication in the Royal Gazette. This follows separate plans to introduce an entry tax, which is expected to take effect by the end of 2026.