Thailand Consults on New 1,450-Baht Tourist Arrival and Departure Taxes

The Thai government is actively exploring new revenue streams to support tourism infrastructure, visitor safety, and public services. As of October 2026, authorities are conducting public consultations regarding a proposed 450-baht arrival fee for foreign visitors arriving by air and a separate 1,000-baht departure tax applicable to all passengers, including Thai citizens. These proposals have sparked significant debate within the travel industry, with trade associations warning that the cumulative cost could deter price-sensitive travellers.

The consultation period is scheduled to conclude on October 29, 2026. While the government has emphasized that these funds would be used to improve the overall visitor experience—including potential emergency medical coverage—the proposal faces scrutiny regarding its impact on Thailand's post-pandemic tourism recovery. No implementation date has been set, and the measures require further approval from the National Tourism Policy Committee and the Cabinet before becoming law.

All international travellers arriving in or departing from Thailand by air are the primary groups affected by these potential tax changes. Thai citizens are also included in the scope of the proposed 1,000-baht departure tax.

Makutet analysis suggests that while the government is keen to secure funding for infrastructure, the strong pushback from the Association of Thai Travel Agents may lead to a scaled-back implementation or a phased rollout. We forecast that if these taxes are approved, they will likely be integrated into airline ticket prices to minimize friction at airports, rather than being collected as a separate on-arrival fee.