Thailand has long been a magnet for travelers seeking sun, spice, and smiles. But the Land of Smiles is now considering a pair of new taxes that could make your next visit a bit pricier. The government has floated a departure tax of 1,000 baht (about €27) for everyone leaving by air, plus a separate 450-baht (€12) entry fee for foreign visitors arriving by plane. Together, these could add roughly €39 to an eligible tourist's journey. Neither charge is in force yet, and both are still working through public consultation and legal steps.
What's on the Table
The departure tax is under public consultation until 29 October 2026, with no confirmed start date. Finance Ministry Permanent Secretary Lavaron Sangsnit has suggested it could be collected through airline tickets, so you might not even notice it until you see your fare. He framed it as reviving a levy that existed about two decades ago at 500 baht (€13). The rationale? People who can afford international travel can absorb a little extra. The money could fund domestic tourism promotion and even travel insurance or emergency medical coverage for visitors.
The entry fee, meanwhile, is being championed by Deputy Prime Minister Suphajee Suthumpun, a former hotel executive. She argues that many countries collect similar fees and that the revenue would support visitor safety, insurance, and improvements to underfunded attractions. The draft plan exempts work-permit holders and a few other categories, but there's no blanket exemption for long-term or multiple-entry visa holders. One payment would cover repeat entries within 30 days, but after that, you could be charged again. The fee could land in the first quarter of 2027, pending Cabinet approval.
The Fine Print and the Pushback
These proposals are separate from the existing Passenger Service Charge, an airport fee that's already baked into ticket prices. Airports of Thailand raised that charge for international departures from 730 baht (€19) to 1,120 baht (€30) on 20 June 2026. If all three charges apply, an eligible foreign tourist flying out of Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, or Hat Yai could face combined costs of 2,570 baht (€68). Of that, 1,450 baht (€39) would be new money, while the airport charge is already payable.
Tourism industry groups are pushing back. The Thai Travel Agents Association has warned that the departure tax could reduce passenger numbers, lead airlines to cut frequencies, and ultimately hurt inbound tourism. They also say it clashes with Thailand's ambition to become a regional aviation hub. The country welcomed around 24 million foreign tourists through 10 October, down 4% from the same period last year, and still well below the nearly 40 million arrivals in 2019. The Tourism Authority of Thailand expects about 33 million visitors this year, roughly matching 2025's numbers.
This debate comes as Thailand shifts its tourism strategy toward higher-spending visitors. The 2027 plan aims to boost tourism revenue by at least 5% compared with 2026 and spread visitors more evenly between established and emerging destinations. Wellness, food, nature, and luxury experiences are the focus. The proposed taxes haven't been officially tied to that strategy, but they're part of a broader conversation about how to fund tourism's future.
What Travelers Should Know
If you're planning a trip, keep an eye on these developments. The departure tax could be collected via airline tickets, so you might not have to queue up to pay it. The entry fee, if approved, would apply to air arrivals first, with land and sea entries getting a one-year grace period. And remember, the proposed taxes are not yet in effect, so don't cancel your plans just yet.
Also note that Thailand has already cut visa-free stays from 60 to 30 days for many passport holders, starting 15 September 2026. That change, along with the tax proposals, signals a shift toward quality over quantity. For more on that, check out Thailand just cut tourist visa stays in half starting September 2026.
If you're wondering whether Thailand is still worth it, the answer is yes, but it's getting more expensive. The government is betting on travelers with deeper pockets, as outlined in Thailand is ditching cheap thrills for travelers with real money. And if you're concerned about behavior, the country is also cracking down on misbehaving tourists, as detailed in Thailand is drawing a hard line against misbehaving tourists.
For now, the only new cost you'll definitely face is the increased airport charge. But if the proposed taxes go through, your trip could cost an extra €39. That's a meaningful chunk for budget travelers, but for many, the experience is worth it. Just keep an eye on the news before you book.
