Thailand is considering two separate travel-charge proposals: an arrival fee for foreign visitors and a departure tax for people leaving the country by air. Neither proposal is an enacted charge at the time of writing.
The separate proposals are easy to confuse. The earlier arrival-fee discussion used a figure of THB 400 for eligible foreign arrivals. More recent government information describes a revised proposal of THB 450. The proposed departure tax is a different measure: THB 1,000 for each air departure, regardless of nationality.
The two proposals at a glance
- Arrival proposal: a tourism or visitor fee for eligible foreign visitors entering Thailand. The earlier proposal referred to THB 400; the latest public information refers to THB 450. It is not currently being collected.
- Departure proposal: an initial THB 1,000 tax each time a traveller leaves Thailand by air. The draft would apply to Thai citizens and foreign nationals, subject to exemptions. It is not currently being collected.
What is proposed for the THB 1,000 departure tax?
The Revenue Department opened public consultation on the draft Departure Tax Act from 30 September to 29 October 2026. Under the draft principles, the initial rate would be THB 1,000 per air departure, with a statutory ceiling of THB 5,000 per departure. Land and sea departures would initially be exempt.
If enacted, airlines or ticket agents would normally collect the tax with the fare. The draft would take effect 180 days after publication in the Royal Gazette, and tickets bought before the commencement date would not be subject to the new tax. There is currently no confirmed start date.
October 7 backlash from travel agents, citizens and visitors
The Pattaya News reported that the proposal drew a sharp response on 7 October from travel agents, Thai citizens, foreign tourists and expats, who viewed it as another cost added to increasingly expensive trips. English-language reactions reported by the publication were overwhelmingly negative.
The Association of Thai Travel Agents also objected, warning that the departure tax would add another layer on top of existing airport charges and the separate proposed arrival fee. Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas defended the idea as a way to encourage domestic travel and keep more spending in Thailand, but the industry response highlighted concerns about competitiveness, overlapping charges and the wider effect on tourism.
Is either fee payable now?
No. The THB 400/450 arrival fee remains a proposal, and the THB 1,000 departure tax remains at the consultation and draft-legislation stage. Travellers should not pay an unofficial arrival or departure tax to an intermediary or website. Continue to follow the current ticket, passport and immigration requirements, and check official announcements before travelling.
What should travellers do?
- Do not treat either proposed amount as a current visa or immigration payment.
- Check the Revenue Department and Tourism Ministry position before a future trip.
- Ask the airline or ticket agent about any officially introduced charge only after a law or Royal Gazette notice is published.
- Recheck exemptions, collection arrangements and the commencement date if either proposal progresses.
For Thailand visa planning, extensions, status questions or long-stay options, visit the Next Step Hua Hin Visa News archive or contact Next Step Hua Hin before making arrangements.
Sources: The Pattaya News report of 8 October 2026; Revenue Department consultation notice; and the Government Public Relations Department summary of the revised arrival-fee proposal. This article is an original editorial summary and is not legal advice.
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