- Thailand postponed its 1,000 baht (€26.50) departure tax.
- The tax would apply to all passengers flying out of Thailand.
- Officials cited energy costs and fourth-quarter high season concerns.
- The draft legislation remains open for consultation until 29 October 2026.
- The outbound tax is separate from a proposed 450 baht arrival fee.
Thailand has postponed plans to introduce a 1,000 baht (€26.50) departure tax on outbound air travellers. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas confirmed the government put the proposed levy on hold. Officials cited concerns over volatile global energy costs linked to Middle East tensions and the risk of placing an excessive financial burden on airlines and visitors during the fourth-quarter high season.
The proposed fee would apply to passengers of all nationalities flying out of Thailand and would be built into airline ticket prices. A draft Departure Tax Act allows a statutory ceiling of up to 5,000 baht though the initial roll-out was targeted at 1,000 baht. The implementation is delayed indefinitely though the draft legislation remains open for public consultation until 29 October 2026.
The postponement follows resistance from tourism industry groups including the Thai Hotels Association and the Association of Thai Travel Agents. Industry insiders warned that adding extra costs would erode Thailand’s price competitiveness against regional rivals like Vietnam. The government clarified that this outbound departure tax is separate from the proposed 450 baht tourist arrival fee under separate legal consideration.
