The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has launched its final online public consultation on a proposed 450-baht arrival fee for international visitors. At the same time, the Thai Hotels Association (THA) has formally objected to a separate Revenue Department proposal that would charge a 1,000-baht departure tax on anyone flying out of the country.
If both measures pass, expats and frequent flyers will face an additional 1,450 baht in government fees for every international round trip.
Where the tax proposals stand
Neither tax is law yet, but both are moving through official channels. The 450-baht arrival fee is intended to fund tourism infrastructure and mandatory visitor insurance. Officials are targeting early 2027 for implementation, pending final Cabinet approval.
The 1,000-baht departure tax is currently in the drafting phase. According to Khaosod (in Thai), the Revenue Department is collecting public feedback on the draft bill between September 30 and October 29, 2026. The law would set a legal ceiling of 5,000 baht, but proposes a 1,000-baht fee per flight in its initial phase.
The THA has pushed back strongly. "The Thai Hotels Association (THA) has formally opposed a proposed air departure tax for all nationalities, warning that the measure could increase travel costs," reports The Thaiger.
What this means for you
For now, you do not need to pay these travel taxes. However, if you rely on border runs or fly frequently for work, you should budget for higher travel costs starting in 2027. We will monitor the Cabinet's decision on the arrival fee and the Revenue Department's next steps after the October 29 consultation deadline.
VAT exemption ends for low-value imports
While the travel taxes are still pending, several other changes have already taken effect this month that impact expats:
- Import taxes from the first baht: Thailand has officially abolished the value-added tax (VAT) exemption for imported online purchases worth less than 1,500 baht. All overseas packages are now subject to a 7% tax.
- Automated immigration: Suvarnabhumi Airport is expanding its automated immigration gates to serve 33 different nationalities, which should help ease congestion for foreign residents.
- Baggage screening: Starting October 16, 2026, Thai airport security is authorized to open checked baggage without the passenger present if screening reveals reasonable grounds to suspect prohibited items.
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