Foreign tourists flying to Thailand could face a further 1,450 baht (about US$43) in proposed charges if two new levies are approved: a 450 baht tourist entry fee and a separate 1,000 baht departure tax. Neither is currently in force.
Foreign tourist fee: The new 450 baht tourism fee is the latest measure under consideration. It would apply initially to eligible foreign visitors arriving by air, potentially from the first quarter of 2027, subject to public consultation, Cabinet approval and legal procedures. Collection from land and sea arrivals would be deferred for one year.
Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun instructed officials on 9 October to finalise transparent rules for collecting and spending the revenue before the proposal goes to Cabinet. The funds are intended to support visitor insurance, safety measures and destination development.
Departure tax: Meanwhile, a proposed 1,000 baht departure tax for all passengers leaving Thailand by air, regardless of nationality is being considered by the Revenue Department under the Ministry of Finance. This is currently under public consultation until 29 October, but no implementation date has been confirmed.
AOT passenger service charge: This proposed entry fee is separate from Thailand’s existing airport Passenger Service Charge (PSC). Airports of Thailand raised the PSC for international departures from 730 baht to 1,120 baht on 20 June 2026 at Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket and Hat Yai airports. The charge applies to Thai and foreign international passengers and is generally included in the ticket price.
Related: It’s official: Flying out of Thailand now costs more
If all three charges were introduced, an eligible foreign air traveller would potentially face 2,570 baht (about US$77) in cumulative fees: the existing 1,120-baht PSC, plus the proposed 450-baht entry fee and 1,000-baht departure tax.
The proposals have drawn criticism from tourism industry groups, with the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) arguing that accumulating fees could dampen demand and increase travel costs in Thailand.
For a family of four, for example, the combined charges could reach 10,280 baht, according to the Thai Hotels Association, adding that the additional burden could make Thailand less competitive against other destinations in the region.