Finance Ministry Delays Departure Tax to Boost Tourism
Thailand's Finance Ministry has indefinitely postponed a planned 1,000-5,000 baht departure tax on outbound travelers to protect the country's tourism rebound. The decision follows a surge in visitor confidence after Thailand hosted major global summits and benefited from airline rerouting due to Middle East instability. Officials will reassess the tax later to avoid burdening airlines and tourists during the peak season.
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas announced on October 22, 2026, that the Revenue Department will postpone implementing a proposed international departure tax of 1,000 to 5,000 baht. The decision aims to preserve Thailand's growing tourism momentum following the successful hosting of the IMF-World Bank Group 2026 meetings and APEC summit, which have elevated the country's global profile. With Middle East conflicts prompting airlines to reroute through Thailand and strong forward bookings for Q4 2026, officials want to avoid adding cost burdens on airlines and travelers that could dampen the recovery. "We will not implement the departure tax now because we want to maintain the atmosphere that makes people want to return to Thailand, which will drive the Thai economy forward," Ekniti said. He clarified that the delayed measure is the outbound departure tax under the Revenue Department's authority, while any inbound tourism fees remain under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.
